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S  [RHYMES  f 

songs  H 


FROM   THE  LIBRARY  OF 
REV.   LOUIS    FITZGERALD    BENSON.  D.  D. 

BEQUEATHED   BY  HIM   TO 

THE  LIBRARY  OF 

PRINCETON  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY 


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St  ¥2- 


JPWfaiou 

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p.  14. 


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GOLDEN     HA$tW; 


12  1934 


HYMNS,    RHYMES, 


v\^> 


SONGS     FOR     THE     YOUNG 

ADAPTED 

By    H.    W.    DULCKEN,    Ph.D? 


WITH   FIFTY-TWO   ILLUSTRATIONS    BY 

J.    1).    WATSON,     T,    DALZIEL,     AND    J.     WOLF. 

ENGRAVED    BY  THE   BROTHERS   DALZIEL. 


BOSTON  : 

ROBERTS     BROTHERS. 

1 866. 


TO 


Cfte  Hatip  Jflarp  fitsuet  Hamilton 


DEDICATE  THIS  LITTLE  BOOK: 


GRATEFULLY    MINDFUL 


THE    KINDLY    AND    GENEROUS    INTEREST 


WHICH       HAS       ENCOURAGED      ME 


DURING   ITS   PREPARATION. 


H.  W.  DULCKEN. 


PREFACE. 


The  Songs  in  this  little  Volume  have  been 
chofen  from  the  works  of  thofe  of  the  German 
Poets  who  wrote  efpecially  for  the  young.  Matthias 
Claudius,  for  inftance,  whofe  rhymes  for  Children 
have  found  their  way  into  every  German  collection 
of  School  Poetry,  is  the  author  of  many  of  them. 
Ruckert,  who,  turning  alide  from  feverer  ftudies, 
compofed  many  pieces  to  cheer  the  lick-bed  of  a 
little  fuffering  lifter,  has  not  been  forgotten ;  and 
fturdy  Hans  Sachs,  the  "  Cobbler-Bard "  of 
Nuremberg,  has  alfo  been  laid  under  contribution. 
In  moft  inftances  I  have  tranllated  the  little 
poems  as  literally  as  the  requirements  of  rhyme 
would  allow  ;  here  and  there,  however,  fome  verfes 
have  been  nightly  altered,  where  a  change  in  the 
form  in  which  the  ideas  were  conveyed  feemed 
delirable. 


viii  Preface. 

In  thole  of  the  Poems  which  have  to  do  with 
facred  fubjects,  everything  of  feclarianilm  has 
been  carefully  avoided.  The  broaden:  principles 
of  Chriftian  truth  alone  are  exhibited ;  with  the 
object  of  inlpiring  love  and  gratitude,  rather  than 
of  exciting  terror — of  awakening  the  fure  and  cer- 
tain hope  of  glory  rather  than  the  fear  of  death 
and  hell,  in  thofe  little  ones  who,  we  are  taught 
to  believe,  have  received  "  not  the  fpirit  of  bon- 
dage again,  to  fear,  but  the  fpirit  of  adoption, 
whereby  we  cry  Abba,  Father." 

As  regards  I  Hull:  rations,  the  figure  fubjecls 
are  drawn  by  J.  D.  Watfon ;  the  Landfcapes, 
by  T.  Dalziel ;  the  Birds  and  Animals,  by 
J.  Wolf,  and  all  moft  carefully  engraved  by 
the  Brothers  Dalziel. 

H.  W.  D. 


CONTENTS. 


Preface 

V 

Dedication 

vii 

The  Giver  of  Good 

.      13 

Charity. — Help  with  Love     . 

.       14 

Search  the  Scriptures    . 

.       15 

A  Song-  for  the  New  Year 

.      16 

The  Heavenly  Father    . 

17 

The  Little  Bird     . 

.      19 

The  Two  Houses  . 

.      21 

The  Bible     .... 

22 

The  Evening  Sun  . 

23 

The  Holy  Book     . 

.       25 

A  Child's  Hymn  for  Christmas 

27 

Joy  Everywhere    . 

28 

Morning  Song  in  Spring 

30 

The  Mother's  Song 

30 

The  Immensity  of  God 

32 

What  the  Mother  said  to  her  Children  on  a  M 

ay  M 

ornin 

34 

What  Man  Can  and  what  he  Cannot  Do 

37 

The  Blind  Man     .... 

38 

The  Great  Giver   . 

39 

A  Chdd's  Evening  Prayer 

40 

Hope  for  the  Future 

42 

To -Morrow  .... 

43 

The  Best  Guide     . 

44 

The  Music  of  Heaven  . 

16 

Contents 


PAGE 

The  Strange  Child's  Christmas 4^ 

The  Four  Seasons — Spring,  Summer,  Autumn,  Winter   .  'r2 

The  Song  of  the  Seed-Corn 56 

••  God  Bless  You!" 58 

.Sunday 59 

Tor  the  Evening 59 

A  Song  of  Peace 60 

A  Good  Deed  should  be  Done 61 

Good  Counsel 62 

Two  and  One         ..........  63 

Ploughman Gt 

The  Approach  of  Autumn 65 

Timely  Advice 66 

Good  Servants 66 

Live  in  Peace 67 

Patience 68 

Persevere 69 

Under  the  Green  Trees  .         .         .         .         .         .         .70 

Child's  Evening  Prayer .72 

Solomon  and  the  Sower ?'i 

Morning  Song  in  the  Country        .         .         .         .         .         .74 

When  the  Cock  Crows .75 

Winter 70 

The  Green  City 78 

Cuckoo,  N  igktingale,  and  Ass 80 

The  Mastiff  and  the  Cat        .......  81 

The  Poplar  and  the  Plum-Tree ;  or,  Show  and  Use          .         .  82 

Work  for  All 83 

The  Two  Dogs 84 

The  Stars  at  Night 85 

The  Reward  of  Good  Nature          ......  86 

The  Dancing  Bear SS 

The  Quail  and  her  Young 89 


Contents.  \\ 

PAGE 

M;ilcv  and  Malone*  ;  or,  the  Evils  of  Quarrelling     .        .        .  92 

The  Blackbird 94 

The  Idle  Boy 96 

Child's  Play 97 

Nothing  Created  in  Vain 07 

Sin  and  Punishment 98 

Ox,  Ass,  and  Lion MX 

True  Friendship 99 

The  Recognition 100 

Good  Wine .102 

The  Little  Boy  who  Wanted  to  be  Taken  Everywhere    .         .  103 

The  Riddles  of  the  Ekes 106 

The  White  Hart 108 

The  Poor  Man 110 

Lion  and  Eox Ill 

Tiie  Old  Apple  Tree 112 

The  Emperor  who  became  a  Carpenter 113 

The  Little  Lamb 115 

The  Kind  Host 117 

In  the  Corn  Field 118 

The  Bird  and  the  Maid 118 

Kisses  for  Mother  Dear 119 

Christmas  Tree 120 

A  Merry  Story 121 

For  Want  of  a  Nail '.123 

The  Chickens  and  the  Hawk 125 

Industry 127 

Cradle  Song 127 

The  Chapel 129 

The  Four  Seasons 130 

The  Daisy 131 

The  Two  Travellers 133 

Morning  Song L3S 


Xll 

A  Child's  Christmas  Carol 

A  Cradle  Elegy 

The  King's  Brave  Son 

A  Song  of  the  Sea 

The  Richest  Prince 

The  Watchman's  Song 

To  the  Lark 

The  Bible     . 

Taillefer  the  Brave 

The  Bee 

Retribution  . 

The  Camel    . 

Coming  of  Spring 

The  Boy  and  the  Ass 

The  Glow- Worm   . 

The  Lioness  and  her  Cubs 

The  Lion  and  the  Wolf 


Contents. 


PAGE 

137 
HO 
141 
142 
143 
144 
145 
146 
147 
150 
151 
152 
154 
155 
156 
157 
159 


THE   GIVER  OF  GOOD. 
Child,  when  with  tending  careful  hand, 
Amid  the  flowers  you  go. 
Forget  not  Him,  whose  watchfulness 
Sends  rain  on  all  below. 


The  same  great  Hand  that  guides  the  stars, 
Pours  clown  the  fruitful  shower  ; 
Then  let  the  raindrops  speak  His  love, 
The  stars  proclaim  His  power. 
«3 


CHARITY.— HELP  WITH  LOVE. 


Inafmuch  as  ye  have  done  it  unto  one  of  thefe,  my  brethren,  ye  have  di  ne 
it  'into  me." — Matthew  xxvi.  -o. 


Think,  father,  in  thy  curtained  bed, 
Thy  dear  ones  round  thee  sleeping, 
Of  those  who  now  keep  hungry  watch, 
Whose  life  is  toil  and  weeping. 

Think  of  the  widow's  sleepless  nights, 
Her -days  of  hard  privation; 
Her  yearning  for  the  vanished  love, 
Her  care — her  desolation. 

Her  orphan' d  children — think  of  them; — 
Picture  the  dreary  traces 
Of  pinching  hunger,  clouding  o'er 
Those  little  wistful  faces. 

Then  think — oh  think,  who  gave  command, 
These  little  ones  to  cherish, 
Who  said — 'Tis  not  your  Father 's  will, 
That  one  of  them  should  perish. 


H 


SEARCH  THE  SCRIPTURES. 
Search  the  Scriptures — words  of  truth- 
Promises  of  gladness, 
Teaching  how  to  live  and  die, 
Comforting  in  sadness. 


Search  the  Scriptures — given  for  all- 
Every  clime  and  nation  ; 
They  can  make  thee,  simple  child. 
Wise  unto  salvation. 
'5 


A  SONG  FOR  THE  NEW  YEAR. 

With  welcome,  and  with  cheerful  song. 

We  hail  the  new-born  year, 
Through  joy  and  grief  expected  long, 

At  length  we  see  it  here. 

But  many  looked  with  hopeful  eyes 
To  greet  this  New  Year's  Day, 

Who  never  lived  to  see  it  rise, 
For  they  were  called  away. 

We  will  thank  God,  who  let  us  live 

To  see  this  year  begun ; 
And  pray  that  He  his  grace  will  give, 

Each  day  until  'tis  done. 

Be  good,  O  Lord,  to  all — give  Peace — 
Give  each  one  what  is  best — 

The  poor  man  bread,  the  sick  man  ease, 
To  all  the  weary,  rest. 

Be  gracious,  Lord,  to  all  our  band, 

And  let  us  all,  we  pray, 
Behold,  within  that  better  land, 

Thy  brighter  New  Year's  Day. 


16 


THE  HEAVENLY  FATHER. 

The  Lord  is  good  to  all ;  and  His  tender  mercies  are  over  all  His  woiks." — Ps.  I  x        i 

Can  you  count  the  stars  that  brightly 
Twinkle  in  the  midnight  sky  ? 

i-  d 


The  Heavenly  Father. 

Can  you  count  the  clouds  so  lightly 
O'er  the  meadows  floating  by  ? 
God  the  Lord  doth  mark  their  number 
With  his  eyes,  that  never  slumber ; 
He  hath  made  them,  ev'ry  one. 

Can  you  count  the  insects  playing 
In  the  summer  sun's  bright  beam  ? 
Can  you  count  the  fishes  straying 
Darting  through  the  silver  stream  ? — 
Unto  each,  by  God  in  Heaven, 
Life,  and  food,  and  strength  are  given ; 
He  doth  watch  them,  ev'ry  one. 

Do  you  know  how  many  children 
Rise  each  morning,  blithe  and  gay  ? 
Can  you  count  the  little  voices, 
Singing  sweetly,  day  by  day  ? 
God  hears  all  the  little  voices, — 
In  their  infant  songs  rejoices  ; 
He  doth  love  them,  ev'ry  one. 


THE  LITTLE  BIRD. 

Among  the  trees  at  morning,  there  sang  a  little  bird, 
And  loud  through  all  the  woodland  his  cheerful  voice 
was  heard. 


19 


The  Little  Bird. 

"O  little  bird,  why  sing  you?"     "Because  I'm  free 

and  gay, 
I'm  free  and  I  am  happy,  this  merry  month  of  May/' 

There  came  a   cunning  fowler,   slow  creeping  through 

the  glade, 
And  spread  his  hidden  network  beneath  the  greenwood 

shade. 

"  O  little  bird  why  silent,  that  sang'st  so  loud  of  late, 
Say,  art  thou  so  unhappy,  within  the  wiry  grate  ?" 

"  My  joyful  songs  are  ended, — I  sang  when  I  was  free, 
But  lo,  I  am  a  captive, — no  singing  now  for  me." 

"  Who  is  this  little  birdie  ?    And  who  the  fowler,  too  ? 
You  ask  me,  child ,  to  tell  you  ?  My  child  I  spoke  of 
you. 

"  While  innocence  and  candour  within  your  heart  can 

stay, 
You're  happy — oh  !  so  happy — like  any  bird  in  May. 

"Sin  is  the  cunning  fowler — goes  creeping  through  the 

fields, 
To  catch  you  in  his  network — and  woe  to   him   that 

yields. 

20 


The  Two  Houjes. 

'•  A  thousand  fetters  hold  him, from  peace  he  soon  must 

part, 
And  lose  that  chief  of  blessings,  a  grateful  quiet  heart. 

"  Then  must  he  weep  and  suffer,  like  yon  poor  captive 

there — 
So  think  of  this,  dear  children,  and  oh,  of  Sin  beware  !" 


THE  TWO  HOUSES. 

There  went  a  wise  and  a  foolish  man, 
And  each  to  build  him  a  house  began ; 
One  built  on  a  rock,  and  one  on  the  sand, 
And  when  the  two  houses  erect  did  stand, — 
While  the  sun  shone  on  them,  no  man  could  see 
Which  house  of  the  two  might  the  firmer  be ; — 
But  when  the  dark  sky  began  to  frown, 
And  the  wind,  and  the  storm,  and  the  rain  came 

down, 
The  rock-built  house  bore  the  shock  right  well, 
AVhile  its  neighbour  tottered,  and  crashing  fell. 
So  those  shall  stand  in  the  tempest's  shock, 
Who  build  on  God's  promise,  the  Bible  rock, 
While  the  hope  that  wars  against  God's  command, 
Shall  fall  with  a  crash,  like  the  house  on  the  sand. 

21 


THE  BIBLE. 

A  tree  stood  on  a  mountain, 

And  golden  fruit  it  bore  ; 

Grew  broad  and  tall,  to  be  seen  by  all, 

From  shore  to  distant  shore. 

And  men  would  come  to  seek  it, 
Nor  ever  came  in  vain  ; 
For  the  golden  fruit  around  its  root 
Fell  thick  like  autumn  rain. 

And  yet  the  fruit  decreased  not 
Upon  its  lofty  crown, 
As  on  the  ground,  and  on  all  around, 
The  golden  shower  fell  down. 

For  the  fruit  was  given  by  God  in  Heaven, 
In  love  and  mercy  free, 
That,  great  and  small,  it  might  comfort  all, 
And  "  the  Bible  "  is  that  tree. 


THE  EVENING  SUN. 


Golden  sun  of  evening, 
Beautiful  to  see ; 
Not  without  emotion, 
Can  I  look  on  thee  ! 

Thou  art  now  to  leave  us, 
With  thy  beauteous  ray, 

23 


The  Evening  Sun. 

Over  vale  and  mountain , 
Wending  far  away. 

From  the  steeple,  chiming, 
Sounds  the  belfry  bell, 
Like  a  voice  of  music, 
Bidding  thee  farewell. 

Many  hands  are  folded, 
And  the  voice  of  prayer 
Mingles  with  their  chiming 
Through  the  evening  air. 

On  the  lofty  steeple 
Lingering  light  yet  plays, 
And  the  distant  mountains 
Gleam  through  purple  haze. 

Now  the  sun  departing, 
Leaves  us  in  the  night ; 
One  still  watcheth  o'er  us, 
Who  can  give  us  light. 

Thou,  great  God  of  wonders, 
Dwell'st  where  all  is  pure ; 
Sun  and  moon  shall  vanish, 
But  Thou  shalt  endure. 
24 


The  Holy  Book. 

Grant  us,  great  Creator, 
Thine  own  light  to  see, 
That  we  turn  our  faces 
Upward  unto  Thee. 


THE  HOLY  BOOK. 

In  that  Book  so  old  and  holy, 
I  would  read,  and  read  again, 
How  our  Lord  was  once  so  lowly, 
Yet  without  a  spot  or  stain. 

How  the  little  children  found  Him, 
How  He  loved  them  and  caressed ; 
How  He  called  them  all  around  Him, 
Took  them  to  His  loving  breast. 

How  His  pity,  never-failing, 
On  the  sick  was  sure  to  flow, 
How  the  poor,  the  blind,  the  ailing, 
Were  His  brethren  here  below. 

How  when  each  poor  wand'rer  sought  Him, 
Guilty,  helpless,  sorrowing  sore, 

25  E 


The  Holy  Book. 

He  received,  and  helped,  and  taught  him; 
Bade  him  go,  and  sin  no  more. 


With  rejoicing  hearts  and  grateful, 
Let  us  read  and  still  read  on, 
26 


A  Child's  Hymn  for  Chriflmas 

How  lie  was  so  true  and  faithful, 
How  He  loved  us,  ev'ry  one. 

How,  good  shepherd,  He  did  cherish 

All  the  flock  He  came  to  save, 
Watching,  that  not  one  might  perish, 
Of  the  lambs  His  Father  gave. 

Let  us  gladly  kneel,  and  often, 
Round  His  feet,  that  loved  us  best, 
Then  each  stubborn  heart  He'll  soften, 
And  in  Him  shall  all  be  blessed. 


A  CHILD'S   HYMN    FOR   CHRISTMAS. 

Thou  holy  Jesus,  kind  and  dear, 
TV  no  for  us  children  earnest  here, 
That,  blest  and  purified  by  Thee, 
God's  little  children  we  might  be. 

God  sent  Thee  down,  a  light  divine, 
Through  all  this  darkened  world  to  shine, 
A  heavenly  child,  a  heavenly  ray, 
To  guide  us  all  the  heavenly  way. 

27 


Joy  Everywhere. 

O  holy  Jesus,  kind  and  dear, 
Because  thy  birthday  now  is  near, 
For  ev'ry  child,  in  ev'ry  clime, 
It  is  a  happy,  joyful  time. 

Then  bless  me  too,  and  from  Thy  throne, 
Look  down,  Lord,  on  Thy  little  one, 
Wash  Thou  my  heart  all  pure  and  white. 
In  heavenly  fountains  clear  and  bright. 

Lord,  make  me  like  the  angels  mild, 
A  loving,  humble,  grateful  child  ; 
That  Thine  I  evermore  may  be, 
Thou  holy  Jesus,  grant  to  me  ! 

JOY  EVERYWHERE. 

I  have  been  on  the  mountain 

That  the  song-birds  love  best, 
They  were  sitting  there,  they  were  flitting  there, 

They  were  building  their  nest. 

I  have  been  in  the  garden 

Where  the  busy  bees  did  roam, 
They  were  coming,  all  humming, 

To  their  straw-covered  home. 

28 


Joy  Everywhere. 

I  have  been  in  the  meadows, 
The  lambkins  were  there  ; 


On  the  mount,  in  the  meadow, 
There  was  joy  ev'rywhere. 
29 


MORNING  SONG  IN  SPRING. 

How  beauteous,  how  lovely,  is  ev'rything  here  ! 
The  sun  on  the  hill-side,  the  shade  on  the  weir ; 
Where  through  the  bright  crystal  the  fishes  are  seen, 
Where  wave  o'er  the  water  the  alder-trees  green. 

How  glow  the  bright  meadows  with  young  verdure  new  ! 
How  fresh  bloom  the  flow'rets  bespangled  with  dew  ! 
The  berry  already  is  blushing  in  red  ; 
The  wheat-ear  is  smiling  with  promise  of  bread. 

The  slender  birch  Avaves  in  the  whispering  grove  ; 
The  bramble-bush  twineth  the  rockstone  above ; 
The  honey-bee  hums  as  he  swiftly  speeds  on ; 
The  frog's  voice  is  drowned  in  the  lark's  sweeter  tone. 

How  beauteous,  how  lovely  do  all  things  appear  ! 

The  waterfall's  murmur,  the  shade  on  the  weir. 

On  all  sides  around  us  pure  joys  arc  unfurl'd, 

To  light  with  their  radiance  our  path  through  the  world. 

THE  MOTHER'S  SONG. 

Sleep,  my  child,  on  mother's  arm, 
Safe  from  danger,  safe  from  harm — 
Teazing  flies  away  shall  flee, 
Mother's  love  shall  watch  o'er  thee. 

God  on  high  keeps  watch  and  ward, 
Child  and  mother  He  cloth  guard ; 
We  His  children,  great  and  small, 
Sleep  in  His  protection  all. 

3° 


The  Mothers  Song. 

Through  the  silent  hours  of  night, 
lie  can  see  thy  slumbers  light, 


Hears  each  earnest  prayer  I've  said, 
Begging  blessings  on  thy  head. 
51 


safes 


THE  IMMENSITY  OF  GOD. 

AY  ho  can,  on  the  seashore, 
Count  the  grains  of  sand  ? 
Or  the  leaves  in  Autumn, 
Whirling  o'er  the  land? 


Or  the  winter  snow-flakes 
Driving  fierce  and  free  ? 

32 


The  Immenjity  of  God. 

Or  the  drops  of  water 
In  the  briny  sea? 

Who  can  measure  ocean, 
Where  it  deepest  flows  ? 
Or  the  rays  the  sun  darts 
When  it  brightest  glows? 

Who,  than  swiftest  lightning, 
Faster  yet  can  flee  ? 
Name  that  wond'rous  Being — 
Greater  none  than  He  ! 

God  is  the  unnumber'd, 
Who  no  bound  can  know  ; 
Suns  and  stars,  before  Him, 
Are  as  flakes  of  snow. 

God  is  called  the  Boundless, 
Fathomless  is  He ; 
Swifter  than  the  lightning, 
Deeper  than  the  sea. 


WHAT    THE    MOTHER    SAID    TO    HER 
CHILDREN  ON  A  MAY  MORNING. 

There's  something  splendid  here  to  see, 
Come,  children,  ope  your  eyes, 

And  call  your  father  too,  to  me, 
The  sun's  about  to  rise. 

Hoav  cheerfully  it  runs  its  course, 

And  ne'er  forgets  its  duty  ; 
Rises  each  morn  renewed  in  force, 

Each  evening  sets  in  beauty. 

Coes  onward,  shining  day  by  day, 

O'er  land  and  ocean  ranging, 
AA'ith  milder  or  with  fiercer  ray, 

With  ev'ry  season  changing. 

Now  this  can  not  occur  by  chance, 

1  scarce  need  stay  to  prove  it ; 
The  waggon  yonder  won't  advance 

Till  some  one  comes  to  move  it. 

And  as  the  sun  can't  understand, 

Nor  know  what  will  betide  it, 
There  must  be  Oxe  who  with  His  hand, 

Like  any  lamb  can  guide  it. 

3+ 


II  hat  the  Mother  Jaid  on  a  May   Morning. 

And  that  He's  working  but  for  good, 
We  know,  whatever  betideth, 


See  how  lie  strews  His  gifts  abroad , 
Although  His  hand  He  hidcth. 
35 


What  the  Mother  faid  on  a  May  Morning 

He  helps  and  blesses  o'er  and  o'er, 
Gives  food  to  all  who  need  it ; 

Gives  ns  the  garden  at  the  door, 
Our  cow  the  grass  to  feed  it. 

'Tis  He,  dear  children,  gives  you  bread, 
Each  pretty  flower  to  please  you, 

And  wheresoe'er  your  steps  are  led, 
Be  certain  that  He  sees  you  j 

Knows  everything  you've  thought  and  done, 
What  caused  you  joy  or  weeping ; 

He  loves  His  children,  ev'ry  one, 
And  all  are  in  His  keeping. 

The  beauteous  stars  that  o'er  us  beam, 

The  sun,  so  brightly  shining, 
The  golden  dawn,  the  silver  stream, 

'Mid  copse  and  forest  twining  ; 

The  violets  blue,  the  flow'ring  trees, 
That  wave  their  boughs  before  us; 

The  "  garment's  hem/'  are,  children,  these, 
That  He  hath  folded  o'er  us. 

They're  messengers,  who  mightily 
Can  tell  His  mighty  story — 
36 


What  Man  ('(///  (Did  What  He  Cannot  /)<>. 

The  mirrors  of  His  majesty, 

The  temple  of  His  glory. 
The  world  is  one  vast  dwelling-place, 

By  master-hand  erected, 
"Wherein  His  love  and  faithfulness 

Are  everywhere  detected. 

He  dwells  concealed,  and  all  apart 
From  those  who  do  not  mind  Him  ; 

Yet  seek  Him,  children,  with  your  heart, 
And  surely  ye  shall  find  Him. 

Claudius. 

WHAT    MAN    CAN    AND    WHAT    HE 
CANNOT   DO. 

A  max  may  build,  of  polished  stone, 

A  splendid  house,  with  cunning  hand  ; 

But  still  he  never  can  create 

One  single  little  grain  of  sand. 

A  man  may  crush  the  hardest  stone, 

Until  in  dust  its  fragments  fly ; 

But  all  his  strength  will  not  suffice 

E'er  to  destroy  it  utterly. 

"Whatever  power  he  may  employ, 
He  can't  create,  nor  auyht  destroy. 
37 


THE  BLIND  MAN. 

Dear  children,  see,  I'm  old  and  poor, 
I  grope  my  way  from  door  to  door. 
You,  happy  children,  cannot  know 
How  dark  the  path  through  which  I  g 
3'S 


The  Great  Hirer. 

"But  Bible  words  have  comfort  strong — 
They're  ringing  round  me  all  day  long- 
They  tell  me  of  a  brighter  place, 
Where  I  shall  see  my  Maker's  face. 

THE  GREAT  GIVER. 

The  Earth,  in  the  beginning, 
Was  empty,  void  and  drear ; 
Nor,  till  the  Lord  had  spoken 
Could  aught  on  earth  appear. 

'Twas  thus,  in  the  beginning, 
"When  God  the  word  did  say ; 
And  as  in  the  beginning, 
It  still  is,  ev'ry  day. 

He  sets  the  sun  his  journey, 
He  holds  the  moon  on  high, 
He  guides  the  winds,  and  opens 
The  floodgates  of  the  sky. 

He  gives  us  joy  and  gladness, 
And  makes  us  fresh  and  red, 
He  gives  the  ox  his  pasture, 
And  all  their  daily  bread. 

39 


A  Child's  Evening  Prayer. 

And  hearts  to  love  and  trust  Him. 
And  spirits  mild  and  meek ; 
And  grace  to  bring  me  near  Him, 
All  this  from  Him  we  seek. 

For  He  can  see  in  secret, 
And  ceaseless  -watch  doth  keep, 
And  those  that  pray  in  secret, 
He  touches,  while  they  sleep. 

0  then,  let  praise  and  glory, 
And  thanks  unceasing  he, 
To  Him,  the  bounteous  giver  ; — 
There  is  none  else  hut  He. 


A  C HILDAS  EVENING  PRAYER. 

Weary  now  I  go  to  bed, 
Close  my  eyes  and  rest  my  head  ; 
Father,  let  Thy  watchful  eye 
Be  upon  me,  as  I  lie. 

For  the  wrong  I've  done  this  day, 
Look  not  on  it,  Lord,  I  pray ; 
But  forgive  the  ill  I've  done, 
For  the  sake  of  Christ,  Thy  Son. 

40 


A  Child's  Evening  Prayer, 

For  my  parents  dear,  I  pray ; 
Father,  take  them  not  away  ; 


Let  us  all  in  peace  awake, 

For  Thy  Son,  our  Saviour's  sake. 

4i 


HOPE  FOR  THE  FUTURE. 


When  the  wintry  wind  is  blowing, 
"When  the  year's  bright  (lavs  have  fled, 
When  the  pretty  flowers  are  faded, 
And  the  gay  green  leaves  lie  dead, 
With  the  Spring  Ave  say,  still  hoping, 
Will  return  the  flowers  that  fled. 


To-Mon-ow. 

When  the  son,  from  his  father's  dwelling, 

Forth  to  foreign  lands  is  led  ; 

When  by  the  deserted  fireside 

Many  bitter  tears  are  shed, 

"  He'll  come  back,"  we  say,  ".  and  with  him 

Will  return  the  joy  that's  fled." 

When  on  graves,  where  all  in  silence 
Sleep  the  unforgotten  dead, 
Bright  the  quiet  stars  look  downwards, 
Then  they  smile  as  though  they  said, — 
"  They  shall  live  again,  and  with  them 
All  the  joy  that  with  them  fled." 


TO-MORROW. 

"  To-Morrow,  to-morrow,  but  not  to-day  !: 
That  is  what  lazy  people  say  ; 

"  To-morrow  I'll  work,  not  now  ! 
To-morrow  that  lesson  hard  I'll  learn, 
To-morrow  from  that  sad  fault  I'll  turn, 

To-morrow  I'll  do  it,  I  vow." 

And  why  not  to-day,  pray,  let  me  ask  ? 
To-morrow  will  have  its  appointed  task, 
Each  day  will  bring  its  own  ; 

43 


The  Beft  Guide. 

I  cannot  tell  what  may  happen  anew, 
I  can  only  see  what  is  next  to  do, 
And  a  thing  once  done  is  done. 

He  who  advances  not,  must  retreat, 
Our  moments  go  onward  beat  by  beat, 

Not  one  of  them  comes  again. 
To  act  in  the  present  I  still  have  scope, 
Bat  as  to  the  future  for  which  I  hope, 

May  not  that  hope  be  vain  ! 

In  the  book  of  my  life,  each  useless  day; 
That  passes  all  unemployed  away, 

Is  but  an  unwritten  page. 
Well  then  I'll  keep  striving  on  and  on, 
That  some  good  deed  on  every  one 

May  be  written,  from  youth  to  age. 


THE  BEST  GUIDE. 

The  father  and  his  little  son  have  been  abroad  to-day, 
They're  going  home,  but  it  is  night,  and  they  have  lost 
their  way. 

Now  scans  the  boy  each  rock,  each  tree ;  he's  seeking 

near  and  far, 
Some  landmark  in  the  deepening  gloom,  to  tell  them 

where  they  are. 

44 


The  Be/I  Guide. 
But  see,  the  father's  steadfast  gaze  is  fixed  upon  the  sky, 


He  puts  his  trust  in  surer  guides,  the  stars  that  gleam 
on  high. 

45 


The  Mujic  of  Heaven. 

The  rocks  and  trees  have  nought  to  tell,  they  loom  so 

dark  and  strange, 
They  point  the  way,  the  silent  stars,  that  shine  and 

never  change. 

Thus  they  came  home — Ah,  well  for  those  to  whom 

such  faith  is  given, 
Through  all  their  journey  here  on  earth,  to  seek  their 

guide  in  Heaven. 


THE  MUSIC  OF  HEAVEN. 

"  "What  are  the  beauteous  music  sounds, 
Dear  mother,  look  and  see, 
That  at  the  silent  midnight  hour 
From  slumber  waken  me  ?" 

"  I  cannot  hear  them — cannot  sec — 
Oh,  rest  in  slumber  mild, 
There's  no  one  singing  to  thee  now, 
My  poor,  my  suffering  child." 
46 


The  Mufic  of  Heaven. 

"  It  is  not  music  here  on  earth 
That  makes  my  heart  so  light: 


The  angels  call  me  with  their  som 
Oh,  mother  dear,  good-night  !" 


THE  STRANGE  CHILD'S  CHRISTMAS. 

There  went  a  stranger  child, 

As  Christmas  Eve  closed  in, 

Through  the  streets  of  a  town,  whose  windows  shone 

With  the  warmth  and  light  within. 

It  stopped  at  every  house, 

The  Christinas  trees  to  see 

On  that  festive  night,  when  they  shone  so  bright — 

And  it  sighed  right  bitterly. 

Then  wept  the  child,  and  said, 

"  This  night  hath  ev'ry  one 

A  Christmas  tree,  that  he  glad  may  be, 

And  I  alone  have  none. 

1 '  Ah  !  when  I  lived  at  home, 

From  brother's  and  sister's  hand 

I  had  my  share,  but  there's  none  to  care 

For  me  in  the  stranger's  land. 

"  Will  no  one  let  me  in  ? 

No  presents  I  would  crave — 

But  to  see  the  light,  and  the  tree  all  bright, 

And  the  shifts  that  others  have." 


48 


The  Strange  Child's   Chrijlmas. 

At  shutter,  and  door,  and  gate 
Tt  knocks  with  timid  hand, 


But  none  will  mark,  where  alone  in  the  dark 
That  little  child  doth  stand. 

49  h 


The  Strange   Child's   Chrijlmas. 

Each  father  brings  home  gifts, 
Each  mother,  kind  and  mild  ; 
There  is  joy  for  all,  but  none  will  call 
And  welcome  that  lonely  child. 

"  Mother  and  father  are  dead — 

0  Jesus,  kind  and  dear — 

I've  no  one  now,  there  is  none  but  Thou, 
For  I  am  forgotten  here  V 

The  poor  child  rubs  its  hands, 

All  frozen  and  numbed  with  cold, 

And  draws  round  its  head,  with  shrinking  dread, 

Its  garment  worn  and  old. 

But  see — another  child 

Comes  gliding  through  the  street, 

And  its  robe  is  white,  in  its  hand  a  light, 

It  speaks,  and  its  voice  is  sweet : — 

"  Once  on  this  earth,  a  child 

1  lived,  as  thou  livest  yet — 

Though  all  turn  away  from  thee  to-day, 
Yet  I  will  not  forget. 

"  Each  child,  with  equal  love, 
I  hold  beneath  my  care, 

5° 


The  Strange  Child's   Chriftmas. 

In  the  street's  dull  gloom,  in  the  lighted  room, 
I  am  with  them  everywhere. 

"  Here,  in  the  darkness  dim, 

I'll  show  thee,  child,  thy  tree — 

Those  that  spread  their  light  through  the  chambers 

bright 
So  lovely  scarce  can  be." 

And  with  its  white  hand  points 
The  Christ-child  to  the  sky— 
And  lo,  afar,  with  each  lamp  a  star 
A  tree  gleamed  there  on  high. 

So  far,  and  yet  so  near, 

The  lights  shone  overhead, 

And  all  was  well,  for  the  child  could  tell 

For  whom  that  tree  was  spread. 

It  gazed — as  in  a  dream — 

And  angels  bent  and  smiled, 

And  with  outstretched  hand  to  that  brighter  land 

They  carried  the  stranger  child. 

And  the  little  one  went  home, 
With  its  Saviour  Christ  to  stay, 
All  the  hunger  and  cold,  and  the  pain  of  old 
Forgotten,  and  past  away. 
5i 


THE  FOUR  SEASONS. 


Spring  day — happy  day  ! — 
God  hath  made  the  earth  so  gay  ! 
Ev'ry  little  flower  He  waketh, 
Ev'ry  herb  to  grow  He  maketh. 
When  the  pretty  lambs  are  springing, 
"When  the  little  birds  are  singing, — 
Child,  forget  not  God  to  praise, 
Who  hath  sent  such  happy  days. 
52 


Summer  day  ! — sultry  day  ! 
Hotly  burns  the  noon-tide  ray  ; 
Gentle  drops  of  summer  showers 
Fall  on  thirsty  trees  and  flowers ; 
On  the  corn-field  rain  doth  pour, 
Rip'ning  grain  for  winter  store. 
Child,  to  God  thy  thanks  should  be, 
Who  in  summer  thinks  of  thee. 
53 


. 


■■■^ 


Autumn  day  ! — fruitful  day  ! 
See  what  God  hath  giv'n  away  ! 
Orchard  trees  with  fruit  are  bending, 
Harvest  wains  are  homeward  wending. 
And  the  Lord  all  o'er  the  land 
Opens  wide  His  bounteous  hand. 
Children,  gathering  fruits  that  fall, 
Think  of  God,  who  gives  them  all. 
54 


Winter  day  ! — frosty  day  ! 
God  a  cloak  on  all  doth  lay; 
On  the  earth  the  snow  He  sheddeth, 
O'er  the  lamb  a  fleece  He  spreadeth. 
Gives  the  bird  a  coat  of  feather, 
To  protect  it  from  the  weather, — 
Gives  the  children  home  and  food, 
Let  us  praise  Him — God  is  good 
55 


THE  SONG  OF  THE  SEED-CORN. 

The  sower  sows  with  even  hand, 
The  seed-corn  o'er  the  softened  land, 
And  wonderful,  where  it  is  sown, 
The  tiny  seed-corn  still  lives  on. 

When  safe  within  the  earth  'tis  laid, 
A  hidden  power  is  soon  displayed ; 
A  little  germ,  so  smooth  and  soft, 
Soon  rears  its  tiny  head  aloft. 

Small,  weak,  and  cold,  it  comes  to  view, 
And  begs  for  sunshine  and  for  dew ; 
And  then  the  sun  from  out  the  sky, 
Looks  down  upon  it  pleasantly. 

But  now  are  coming  frost  and  storm, 
And  flee  for  shelter  man  and  worm  ; 
The  little  seed  can't  run  away, 
But  in  the  wintry  field  must  stay. 

And  yet  it  does  not  come  to  harm, 
Falls  from  the  sky  a  mantle  warm  ; 
56 


The  Song  of  the  Seed-corn. 

And  folded  in  its  cloak  of  snow, 

It  sleeps  through  all  the  winds  that  blow. 


When  once  stern  winter's  past  and  gone, 
The  lark  sings  loud  and  wakes  the  corn, 

57  i 


The  Song  of  the  Seed-corn. 

For  Spring  brings  flowers  and  blossom-sheen, 
And  decks  the  mead  with  freshest  green. 

And  soon,  with  corn-ears  slim  and  tall, 
The  pleasant  fields  are  covered  all ; 
And  like  the  green  sea,  to  and  fro 
They  wave  with  all  the  winds  that  blow. 

Then  hotly  from  the  sky  at  noon, 

The  sultry  summer's  sun  looks  down, 

Till  all  the  blooming  earth  beneath 

Lies  crowned  with  beauteous  harvest-wreath, 

The  reapers  come,  the  sickle  sounds, 

The  sheaves  are  piled,  and  upward  mounts 

The  song  of  joy,  at  night  and  morn, 

For  Heaven's  best  gift  to  man — the  Corn. 


"  God  bless  you  !"  when  a  child  can  say 
These  words  with  all  its  heart, 

That  God  to  whom  each  child  should  pray. 
A  blessing  will  impart. 


SUNDAY. 

God  on  high  to  man  did  speak  : 
Seven  days  are  in  the  week- 
Six  of  these  to  you  I  give  ; 
Ye  must  work  that  ye  may  live- 
But  the  seventh  day  shall  he, 
Always  set  apart  for  Me, 
That  My  servants  may  have  rest, 
And  may  learn  of  My  behest, 
That  the  voice  of  praise  and  prayer 
May  be  lifted  everywhere. 
Think,  dear  child,  what  God  doth  say 
Of  His  holy  Sabbath  Day. 


FOR  THE  EVENING. 

O  Lord,  my  father  and  my  mother  say, 
That  Thou  dost  hear  when  the  children  pray, 
That  there's  none  so  small,  of  us  children  here, 
But  in  Thy  heart  it  is  held  most  dear. 
Father  in  Heaven,  love  also  me, 
And  forget  not  Thv  child's  necessitv. 


59 


i^i 


A  SONG  OF  PEACE. 


Peacefully  wanders  star  on  star, 

Up  in  the  deep  blue  heaven, 
Far  from  tumult  and  far  from  war, — 

Yonder,  where  rest  is  given. 

Peacefully  flows  the  silver  brook, 

Here  through  the  fresh  green  meadows ; 

And  the  bright  stars  like  diamonds  look, 
Mirrored  amid  its  shadows. 

60 


A    Song   of  Peace. 

Children,  dear  children,  live  in  peace," 
Soundeth  from  earth  and  heaven ; 

For,  until  strife  and  quarrels  cease, 
Never  can  peace  be  given. 

Peacefully,  then,  should  children  dwell 
Each  one  should  love  his  brother, 

Always  ready  all  strife  to  quell, 
And  to  forgive  each  other. 

Then  will  our  life,  a  stream  of  love, 

Glide  like  a  quiet  river, 
Till  we  find,  o'er  the  stars  above, 

Peace  that  endures  for  ever. 


Where'er  you  see  a  little  space, 
There  plant  a  little  tree  ; 
A  good  deed  should  be  done  whene'er 
There's  opportunity. 


Gi 


GOOD  COUNSEL. 

A    RHYME    SIX    aONDKED    YEARS   OLD). 

Guard,  my  child,  thy  tongue, 
That  it  speak  no  wrong ; 
Let  no  evil  word  pass  o'er  it, 
Set  the  watch  of  truth  before  it . 
That  it  speak  no  wrong, 
Guard,  my  child,  thy  tongue  ! 

Guard,  my  child,  thine  eyes, 

Prying  is  not  wise ; 

Let  them  look  on  what  is  right, 

From  all  evil  turn  their  light : 

Prying  is  not  wise, 

Guard,  my  child,  thine  eyes  ! 

Guard,  my  child,  thine  ear, 
Wicked  words  will  sear  ; 
Let  no  evil  word  come  in, 
That  may  cause  the  soul  to  sin  : 
"Wicked  words  will  sear, 
Guard,  my  child,  thine  ear  ! 
62 


Two    (i)l(l    One. 

Ear,  and  eye,  and  tongue, 
Guard  while  thou  art  young 
For,  alas  !  these  busy  three, 
Can  unruly  members  be  : 
( !  uard,  while  thou  art  youm 
Ear,  and  eye,  and  tongue. 


TWO  AND  ONE. 

Two  ears  and  only  one  mouth  have  you, 

The  reason,  I  think,  is  clear, 
It  teaches,  my  child,  that  it  will  not  do 

To  talk  about  all  you  hear. 

Two  eyes  and  only  one  mouth  have  you. 

The  reason  of  this  must  be  ; 
That  you  should  learn  that  it  will  not  do 

To  talk  about  all  you  see. 

Two  hands  and  only  one  mouth  have  you, 
And  it  is  worth  while  repeating ; 

The  two  are  for  work  you  will  have  to  do, 
The  one  is  enough  for  eating. 


^ 


PLOUGHMAN. 

Child,  Last  thou  seen  the  ploughman? 
Look  not  on  him  with  scorn, 
For  that  his  face  is  homely 
And  his  raiment  old  and  worn. 
64 


The  Approach  of  Autumn. 

Remember  God  hath  called  him 
Unto  a  lowly  state, 

And  taught  him  how  to  plough  the  land, 
And  sow  the  seed — and  wait; 

Till  He  Himself  in  kindness 
Looks  down  upon  the  field, 
And  makes  it,  in  His  own  good  time, 
A  plenteous  harvest  yield. 

Because  God  loves  the  ploughman, 
A  blessing  sendeth  He ; 
And  grants  him  bread  that  he  may  eat, 
And  also,  child,  for  thee. 


THE  APPROACH  OF  AUTUMN. 

Now  the  woods  are  mellow; 
Stubble  fields  are  yellow ; 

Autumn  tints  the  trees ; 
Ruddy  leaves  fall  daily ; 
Mists  are  rising  greyly; 

Colder  blows  the  breeze. 

65  K 


TIMELY  ADVICE. 

When  once  the  arrow  is  shot  away, 
No  earthly  power  can  bid  it  stay  j 
When  once  the  torrent  foams  deep  and  wide, 
The  cottage  is  whelmed  in  the  foaming  tide. 
'Tis  thus  with  the  words  that  children  speak, 
Like  Mood  or  like  arrows  forth  they  break ; 
Shut  the  gate  of  thy  lips,  child,  if  thou'rt  wise, 
When  anger  begins  in  thy  heart  to  rise. 


GOOD  SERVANTS. 

My  servants  are  a  worthy  crew, 
The  names  of  the  men  are  "  Work-to- do, " 
And  u  Up-betimes,"  and  "  Earn-my-wage  ;  " 
While  the  maids  are  called  "  Orderly,"  "  Thrifty/'  and 
"  Sage." 

My  butler  and  cook  are  "  Hunger  "  and  "  Thirst," 

But  of  all  my  helpers,  the  foremost  and  first, 

Are  two,  whose  names   are  "  Good  Conscience/'   and 

"'  Prayer/' 
And  I  sleep  in  quiet  while  they  are  there. 


;  5 


LIVE  IN  PEACE. 

Look  at  the  cloves  on  the  roof-tree  there, 
Brother  and  sister,  always  a  pair ; 
In  sunshine  bright,  and  in  rainy  weather 
They  love  each  other  and  keep  together. 


Little  children,  in  child-like  love, 
You  should  be  like  the  gentle  dove, 
Ever  ready  in  peace  to  live, 
Slow  to  offend,  and  quick  to  forgive. 

6; 


PATIENCE. 

On  silent  wings,  an  angel 
Through  all  the  land  is  borne, 
Sent  by  the  Gracious  Father 
To  comfort  them  that  mourn. 
There's  blessing  in  his  glances, 
Peace  dwells  where'er  he  came, 
Oh  !  follow  when  he  calls  thee, 
For  Patience  is  his  name. 

Through  earthly  care  and  sorrow 
He'll  smooth  the  thorny  way, 
And  speak  with  hopeful  courage, 
Of  brighter,  happier  day  ; 
And  when  thy  weakness  falters, 
His  strength  is  firm  and  fast, 
He'll  help  to  bear  thy  burden, 
HeTl  lead  thee  home  at  last. 

Thy  tears  he  never  chideth, 
When  comfort  he'd  impart, 
Rebuking  not,  he  quiets 
The  longings  of  thy  heart. 


Perjevere. 

And  when,  in  stormy  sorrow. 
Thou  murmuring  askcst  "  Why  ?  " 
He,  silent  yet,  but  smiling. 
Points  upward  to  the  sky. 

He  will  not  always  answer 
Each  question  that's  addrest, 
His  maxim  is  "  Endure  thou, 
And  after  toil  comes  rest." 
Through  life,  if  thou  wilt  love  him 
Thus  by  thy  side  he'll  wrend, 
Oft  silent,  ever  hopeful, 
Still  looking  to  the  end. 

PERSEVERE. 

The  fisher  who  draws  in  his  net  too  soon, 

Won't  have  any  fish  to  sell ; 
The  child  who  shuts  up  its  book  too  soon, 

Won't  learn  any  lessons  well. 

For  if  you  would  have  your  learning  stay, 
Be  patient,  don't  learn  too  fast ; 

The  man  who  travels  a  mile  each  day, 
Will  get  round  the  world  at  last. 
69 


UNDER  THE  GREEN  TREES. 


Suppose  the  earth  were  barren  and  bare 
Where  the  pleasant  trees  now  stand, 

On  my  word  it  would  not  be  half  so  fair, 
Nor  half  such  a  happy  land. 

70 


(  nder  the    Green    Trees. 

It'  there  were  not  around  us  a  single  tree, 
O'er  our  heads  Dot  a  branch  or  spray, 

The  place  would  be  gloomy  and  bare  to  see, 
And  then  we  might  run  away. 

But  now  we  are  happy  as  fish  in  the  sea, 

Right  gladly  here  we'll  stay, 
Then  hail  to  every  giant  tree, 

To  every  tiny  spray. 
No  man  hath  ever  known  or  said 

How  many  there  may  be  ; 
But  each  tree  helpeth  to  make  a  shade, 

Each  leaf  to  make  a  tree. 

On  the  sofa  sittetli  the  baron  bold 

Whose  servants  on  him  wait, 
The  monarch  sits  on  his  throne  of  gold, 

And  we  sit  here  in  state 
On  the  fresh  green  grass  'neath  the  spreading  tree 

At  case  in  the  greenwood  shade, 
Nor  forget  we  to  thank  Him  gratefully 

Who  for  us  tins  place  hath  made. 


CHILD'S  EVENING  PRAYER. 

Now  with  weariness  opprest, 
I  would  close  my  eyes  and  rest, 
Let  Thine  eyes,  Our  Father,  be 
On  the  child  that  prays  to  Thee. 

For  the  wrong  that  I  have  done, 
Look  not,  gracious  Lord,  thereon,. 
Thy  great  mercy  makes  it  good, 
Through  our  dear  Redeemer's  blood. 

Those  that  love  me,  great  and  small, 
Lord  protect  them,  one  and  all ; 
Let  all  men  Thy  mercy  share, 
Ev'ry  creature,  everywhere. 

Eyes  that  watch,  close  Thou  again, 
Sooth  the  heart  that  beats  in  pain ; 
Send,  O  Lord,  Thy  angel  bright, 
To  be  with  us  through  this  nigrht. 


SOLOMON  AND  THE  SOWER. 

In  the  field  the  wise  king  Solomon, 
Had  under  Heaven  set  up  his  throne; 
Then  sees  he  near  him  a  sower  stride, 
Who  scattered  seed  on  ev'ry  side. 

Then  said  the  king,  "  What  dost  thou  there  ? 
Yon  barren  ground  yields  harvest  ne'er ; 
Cease  now  thy  toil  and  labour  vain — 
The  seed  thou'st  sown  thou  wilt  not  gain." 

The  sower  now,  with  cheeked  hand, 
In  deep  reflection  still  doth  stand  ; 
His  arm  then  lifting  sturdily — 
To  the  wise  king  he  made  reply  : — 

"  I've  nothing  else,  beyond  this  field, 
I've  ploughed  the  land  that  it  may  yield  ; 
I  take  no  thought,  no  wealth  possessing, 
I  give  the  corn,  God  gives  the  blessing." 


73 


MORNING  SONG  IN  THE  COUNTRY 


Come  out  of  your  beds,  there, 
The  cock  loudly  crows — 

The  birds  they  are  singing, 
The  morning  wind  blows  ; 

And  see,  the  red  morning 
So  gaily  is  here, 
74 


Wonting  Song  in  the   Country. 

On  meadow,  on  brooklet 
The  sunbeams  shine  clear. 

Take  coats  from  the  cupboard, 

Take  hats  from  the  wall, 
Take  scythe,  and  take  sickle, 

And  hayfork;,  and  all ; 
The  maids  to  the  meadow, 

The  men  to  tlie  field, 
That  corn-field  and  hay-field 

Good  harvest  may  yield. 

And  while  ye  are  sowing 

And  ploughing  for  food, 
Look  gratefully  up  to 

The  Giver  of  good, 
Who  sends  us  our  bread, 

By  His  mercy  and  power, 
And  blessing,  and  increase, 

And  sunshine,  and  shower. 


When  the  cock  crows  loud  on  the  roof-tree  tall, 

The  moon  snuffs  out  her  light ; 
Then  out  of  your  beds,  little  sleepers  all, 

It's  time  to  be  brisk  and  bright. 
75 


WINTER. 


Old  winter  is  a  sturdy  one, 
And  lasting  stuff  he's  made  of, 

His  flesh  is  firm  as  iron-stone, 
There's  nothing  he's  afraid  of. 

7^ 


//  "nitt  r. 

He  spreads  his  coat  upon  the  heath, 

Nor  yet  to  warm  it  lingers, 
He  scouts  the  thought  of  aching  teeth, 

Or  chilblains  on  his  fingers. 

Of  flowers  that  bloom  or  birds  that  sing, 
Full  little  cares  or  knows  he, 

Be  hates  the  fire  and  hates  the  Spring, 
And  all  that's  warm  and  cozy. 

But  when  the  foxes  bark  aloud, 

On  frozen  lake  and  river  ; 
When  round  the  fire  the  people  crowd 

And  rub  their  hands,  and  shiver — 

When  frost  is  splitting  stone  and  wall, 
And  trees  come  crashing  after, 

That  hates  he  not,  he  loves  it  all, 
Then  bursts  he  out  in  laughter. 

His  home  is  by  the  North  Pole's  strand 
Where  earth  and  sea  are  frozen, 

His  summer-house,  we  understand, 
In  Switzerland  he's  chosen. 


The   Green    City. 

Now  from  the  North  lie's  hither  hied, 
To  show  his  strength  and  power, 

And  when  he  comes,  we  stand  aside, 
And  look  at  him,  and  cower. 


THE  GREEN  CITY. 

Children,  I  know  of  a  wondrous  town, 
Where  the  houses  are  green  the  whole  street  down 
Some  of  them  great,  and  some  of  them  small, 
Who  likes  may  enter,  they're  open  all. 

I  cannot  aver  that  the  streets  are  straight, 
For  they  wind  about  at  a  comical  rate ; 
But  after  all,  would  it  pleasant  be, 
To  be  going  straight  on  continually  ? 

All  the  paths,  and  the  roadways  too, 
Are  spangled  with  flowers  of  various  hue; 
Smooth  and  soft  is  the  pavement  found, 
And  in  colour  'tis  like  the  houses  around. 

Many  the  people  therein  that  dwell, 
And  all  of  them  love  their  town  right  well ; 
This  love  for  their  home  herein  is  seen 
That  each  will  sing,  in  his  house  so  green. 

78 


The  Green   City. 

The  people  are  certainly  somewhat  small, 
They  are  but  little  birds,  one  and  all, 


And,  in  short,  this  town  so  fair  and  good, 
Is  commonly  called  the  gay  Green  Wood. 

79 


CUCKOO,  NIGHTINGALE,  AND  ASS. 

One  day,  within  a  pleasant  vale, 
The  Cuckoo  and  the  Nightingale 

Resolved  to  stake  a  dinner ; 
Each  one  in  turn  should  sing  his  lays, 
And  he  who  gained  the  greatest  praise, 

Should  be  declared  the  winner. 

The  Cuckoo  said,  "  Ere  Ave  begin, — 
I've  found  a  judge — we'll  call  him  in, — 

I  mean  the  Ass,  good  brother ; 
His  ears,  you  see,  are  large  and  long, 
He'll  hear  each  note  of  all  our  song, 

"Where  find  we  such  another  ?  " 

Away  to  Master  Ass  they  flew, 
"Who  said  he'd  give  a  judgment  true, 

Just  as  his  friends  had  planned  it. 
The  Nightingale  first  strained  her  throat, 
Says  Neddy,  "  I  don't  like  your  note, 

I  can't  quite  understand  it." 

The  Cuckoo  then  began  to  cry, 
In  tuneless  accents,  harsh  and  high  ; 
Then  said  the  judge  sedately  : 

80 


Th(    Mqftiff'  and  the  Cat. 

"  I  think  no  singer  can  be  found, 
So  fine,  in  all  the  country  round, 
And  he  hath  pleased  me  greatly." 


THE  MASTIFF  AND  THE  CAT. 

An  honest  old  mastiff  was  lamed  by  a  blow, 

Defending  his  master,  by  robbers  laid  low ; 

With  nothing  to  eat,  and  no  place  to  lie  down, 

He  mournfully  limped  through  the  streets  of  a  town, 

Where  by  chance  he  encounter'd,  not  far  from  the  gate. 

A  cat  who  had  met  with  a  similar  fate ; 

His  leg  had  been  crushed  by  the  Abbot's  fierce  cook, 

Because  from  the  larder  a  partridge  he  took. 

'Tis  said  that  misfortune  soon  makes  people  known, — 
They  talked  of  their  troubles,  each  mourning  his  own  ; 
Till  at  last,  (moth  grimalkin, — "  WV11  go  through  the 

land, 
Like  faithful  companions,  and  beg,  hand  in  hand." 

"  No,  no  !  "  cried  the  mastiff,  "that  never  would  do, 
We  re  both  of  us  lamed  in  like  manner,  'tis  true, 
But  still,  I  don't  wish  to  be  taken  for  you." 

8 1  M 


THE  POPLAR  AND  THE  PLUM-TREE; 

OR, 

SHOW  AND    USE. 

The  Poplar  said — said  he, 

To  the  little  meek  Plum-tree — 

"  For  the  little  blue  plum 

That  on  you  can  come, 
Why  should  you  show  such  glee  ?  " 

"  Yes,  very  glad  am  I," 
The  Plum-tree  he  made  reply, 
"  That  I  furnish  food, 
And  am  not  mere  wood, — 
A  stick  that  grows  up  high." 

Then  the  Poplar  turned  quite  red ; 
"  I  may  be  a  stick,"  he  said  ; 
"  But  don't  you  see, 
You  poor  little  Plum-tree, 
How  high  I  can  carry  my  head  ?  " 


When  Work  comes  into  a  house  to  stay 
Then  Want  will  speedily  flee  away  ; 
But  let  Master  Work  once  go  to  sleep, 
And  Want  Anil  in  at  the  window  peep. 

82 


WORK  FOR  ALL. 


No  twig  on  the  green  wood  stands  idle  and  still, 

Not  a  bee  but  some  honey  he'll  win ; 
The  stream  bears  the  boat,  or  turns  the  mill, 

And  the  breeze  blows  out  and  in. 
Then,  away  to  your  tasks,  dear  children,  hie  ! 

To  school  with  you,  ev'ry  one  ! 
And  happy  is  he  whom  Industry 

Will  help  till  his  work  is  done. 
83 


THE  TWO  DOGS. 

A  little  lord  two  dogs  did  own, 
They  were  a  poodle  and  his  son, — 
Young  Pantaloon,  the  puppy  gay, 
His  lord's  spare  time  would  while  away 
For  he  could  dance,  or  stand  on  guard, 
Or  drag  the  go-cart  round  the  yard ; 
Could  through  the  deepest  water  swim, 
Or  beg,  to  please  his  master's  whim. 

Young  Fred,  the  keeper's  clever  son, 

Had  taught  the  clog  these  tricks,  this  fun — 

Who  quicker  learned,  by  line  and  rule, 

Than  many  children  learn  at  school. 

It  struck  the  little  lord  one  day, 

That  there  must  be  an  easier  way 

To  teach  the  big  dog  all  this  fun, 

Than  to  instruct  the  little  one. 

The  guardian  of  the  house,  poor  Gruff, 
Was  a  good  honest  beast  enough, 
But  no  one  yet  to  school  had  brought  him, 
Or  any  learned  tricks  had  taught  him. 
My  lord  to  train  him,  once  for  all, 
Propped  up  poor  Gruff  against  the  Avail, 
But  all  his  efforts  were  in  vain, 
The  dog  each  time  fell  down  again. 
84 


The  Stars  at   Night. 

And  now  Professor  Fred  came  too, 
And  tried  the  utmost  he  could  do, 
But  though  his  best  each  tried  in  turn, 
The  hoary  scholar  would  not  learn. 

"Perhaps/'  said  Fred,  "the  stick  will  do/' 
So  Gruff  was  cuffed  and  beaten  too, 
But  still  was  stupid  as  an  owl, 
And  finally  began  to  growl — 
"  What  do  you  want  ?  "  the  poor  dog  said, 
"  You'll  never  get  my  old  grey  head 
To  understand  one  thing  you  teach ; 
But  hear  the  moral  I  can  preach — 
Good  children,  learn  e'er  youth  is  o'er, 
When  once  you're  old,  you'll  learn  no  mon 

THE  STARS  AT  NIGHT. 

When  you're  all  in  bed  at  home, 

Then  wakes  up  each  star, 
And  the  white  wing'd  angels  come 

Floating  from  afar ; 
All  night  long  their  watch  they  keep 
By  the  beds  where  children  sleep. 


85 


THE  REWARD  OF  GOOD  NATURE. 


The  boy  stood  under  the  apple  tree 

But  could  not  reach  the  bough, 
And  longed  for  a  prize  from  the  store  he  could  see. 

That  hung  in  the  leafy  house. 

■ 


The   Reward  of  Good  Nature. 

And  lo  !  the  old  tree  its  leafy  crown 

In  the  breeze  shook  to  and  fro, 
Till  a  shower  of  apples  came  raining  down 

On  the  startled  boy  below. 

He  ate  as  long  as  eat  he  could, 

But  could  not  eat  all  that  fell, 
But  receiving  so  much  in  wanton  mood, 

He  wished  for  more  as  well. 

An  apple  into  the  donor's  face 

He  hurled,  as  if  in  joke, 
And  laughed  to  see  how  from  its  place 

A  comrade  ripe  it  broke. 

And  all  that  fell  around  the  root 
He  flung  up,  and  thus  maintained 

The  game,  until  of  the  luscious  fruit 
Not  one  on  the  tree  remained. 

Now  what  may  the  plundered  tree  have  thought, 
When  there  were  no  more  to  fall  ? 
"  I  gave  thee  too  much,  I  denied  thee  naught, 
And  thou  hast  robbed  me  of  all." 

87 


THE  DANCING  BEAR. 

Come  boys,  come,  here's  the  bear — the  bear, 
With  tramping  tread  he  is  dancing  there, — 
The  man  with  wallet,  and  rope,  and  staff, 
Will  make  him  dance,  and  he'll  make  us  laugh ; 
While  the  rub-a-dub  drum,  and  the  too-too  fife, 
Make  music  that  suits  him  just  to  the  life. 

A  slothful  brute  is  the  lazy  bear, 

Sleeps  half  his  life  in  his  frowzy  lair, 

And  thus,  as  we  all  may  well  suppose, 

He  gets  from  his  keeper  good  store  of  blows  ; — 

Now  if  from  punishment  you'd  be  free, 

Don't  you  be  as  idle  and  dull  as  he. 

A  greedy  mouth  has  the  dainty  bear, 

Where  bees  can  be  robbed,  you'll  find  him  there, 

The  bees  in  revenge  make  a  gallant  fight, 

And  sting  him  bravely, — and  serve  him  right ; — 

And  I  think  from  this  Ave  may  soon  discern, 

What  a  bad  reward  greedy  pilferers  earn. 

A  sulky  brute  is  the  grumbling  bear, 

With  his  great  gruff  voice  that  sounds  ev'ryAvherc 


The  Quail  and  her  Young. 

Dear  children,  when  for  a  fault  you're  chid, 
Mind  you  don't  growl  as  the  big  bear  did; 
Lest  you  should  be  served  like  him,  avIio  goes 
With  an  iron  ring  through  his  sulky  nose. 

The  bear,  the  bear,  the  great  gruff  bear, 
The  lazy,  the  greedy,  the  grumbling  bear, 
Let  him  be  off — let  him  go  his  way, 
We've  seen  quite  enough  of  him  to-day  ; — 
We'll  work,  be  contented,  and  speak  folks  fair. 
Lest  we  should  be  like  the  great  bis;  bear. 


THE  QUAIL  AND  HER  YOUNG. 

Where  the  golden  wheat-field  was  waving  tall, 
The  quail  built  a  nest  for  her  young  ones  all. 
One  morn  at  daylight  abroad  she  flew, 
And  homeward  came  with  the  evening  dew  ; 
Then  cried  the  nestlings,  quaking  with  fear, 
"  O  mother  !   a  terrible  danger  is  near, 
The  lord  of  this  corn-field,  the  terrible  man, 
Came  by  here  to-day  with  his  son,  and  began, 
'  The  wheat-ears  are  ripe,  the  harvest  we'll  keep, 
Go,  call  thou  our  neighbours  to-morrow,  to  reap. 


The  Quail  and  her  Young. 

11  Indeed/'  said  the  Quail,  "  then  no  haste  need  be  made, 

Not  willing  are  neighbours  to  render  their  aid." 

And  again  at  morning  abroad  she  flew, 

And  came  not  home  till  the  evening  dew  ■ 

Then  cried  the  nestlings,  quaking  with  fear, 

"  O  mother  !  another  sad  danger  is  near : 

The  lord  of  the  corn-field,  the  terrible  man, 

Came  by  here  again  with  his  son,  and  began, — 

'  Our  neighbours  are  faithless,  and  came  not  to-day — 

Go  to  our  relations  to-morrow,  and  sav  : 

"We  count  on  your  kindness,  to  you  we've  appealed, 

For  aid  to  my  father  in  reaping  his  field/  " 

"Oh,  then,"  said  the  Quail,  "no  haste  need  be  made, 
Relations  are  tardy  to  render  their  aid." 
And  again  at  morning  abroad  she  flew, 
And  came  not  home  till  the  evening  dew ; 
Then  cried  the  nestlings,  quaking  with  fear, 
"  O  mother  !  the  greatest  of  dangers  is  near, 
The  lord  of  this  corn-field,  the  terrible  man, 
Passed  by  here  again  with  his  son,  and  began, — 
1  Our  faithless  relations  have  failed  us,  I  see, 
I'll  reckon  alone  on  myself  and  on  thee; 
To-morrow,  ere  cockcrow,  we'll  rise  from  our  sleep, 
And  turn  out  together,  the  corn-field  to  reap.' " 
9° 


The  Quail  and  her   Young. 

"  Indeed/'  said  the  Quail,  "  our  time's  drawing  near — 
Prepare  then,  my  children,  we  must  not  stay  here  ; 
Who  by  cousins  and  neighbours  his  work  would  have 
done, 


Will  find  the  day  gone  ere  the  task  is  begun : 

It  is  by  the  efforts  himself  can  bestow 

His  work  will  be  finished,  will  prosper  and  grow." 

The  Quail,  with  her  brood,  fled  away  then  and  there- 
And  ere  the  next  evening  the  corn-field  was  bare. 
91 


MALEY   AND    MALONE; 

OR, 

THE  EVILS    OF   QUARRELLING. 

Upon  a  sea-girt  island,  there  dwelt  two  shepherds  sly ; 
The  one  was  named   Malone,    the    other   was    called 
Maley, 

92 


Maley  and  Malone. 

A  flock  of  sheep  had  been  left  them,  that  both  of  them 

should  keep  ; 
Maley  and  Malone  were  ruined,  and  all  through  the 

flock  of  sheep. 

They  pastured  at  first  together,  but  ever  at  war  they 

were ; 
If  one  said,   "  Here  we  will  pasture,"  the  other  would 

say,  "  No— there." 
At  last  they  said,  "  We'll   divide  them ;"    but    there 

was  one  odd  sheep, — 
And  for  this  one  they  quarrelled,  and  lost  their  rest 

and  their  sleep. 

Malone  said,  "  We'll  kill  it,  and  halve  it  by-and-by." 

"  First  we  must  have  its  wool,  though,"  objected  at 
once  Maley. 

Maley  he  wanted  stockings  : — "  Come,  shear  we  it  to- 
night." 

"  It's  not  the  time,"  said  Malone,  and  so  he  refused 
outright. 

"  I'll  shear  my  side  of  the  sheep,  then, — shear  your's 

when  you  will  j" 
Malone  would  not  have  it,  but  Maley  did  it  still. 
93 


The  Blackbird. 

The  sheep  was  caught  by  a  whirlwind,  down  a  moun- 
tain gorge  it  rolled ; 
They  got  it  out  in  the  morning,  but  it  was  dead  and  cold. 

"  Maley,   that  sheep   has  been   frozen   through  being 

shorn  by  you  !  " 
"  No,  no  ;  'twas  the  wind  that  caught  it,  through  your 

not  shearing  it  too. 
If  you'd  only  done  as  I  did,  it  had  not  thus  been  caught ; 
For  it  would  have  kept  its  balance,  had  you  shorn  it 

as  you  ought/'' 

Each  went  before  the  judges,  complaining  with  rueful 
face, 
Alia  !  "  said  the  worthy  lawyers,  "  what  an  interest- 
ing ease  !  " 

And  so  the  books  were  opened,  and  so  the  strife  went  on; 

And  when  the  shepherds  were  ruined,  the  cause  was 
lost  and  won. 

THE  BLACKBIRD. 

A  merry  blackbird,  dark  as  coal, 
With  yellow  bill  like  gold, 
Dwelt  where  out-flowing  from  the  rock 
A  silver  streamlet  rolled  ; 
9+ 


The  Blackbird. 

And  happily  her  jocund  song- 
Through  all  the  woods  she  trolled. 

And  see,  amid  the  gay  green  leaves, 
With  beauteous  crimson  flush, 
A  bunch  of  berries  glittered  red 
From  out  the  shady  bush, 
And  like  a  dart  the  foolish  bird 
On  the  tempting  bait  did  rush. 

But  hidden  'mid  those  berries  bright. 

There  lurked  a  cruel  snare, 

To  hold  the  careless  bird,  prepared 

Of  strongly  twisted  hair ; 

And  scarce  a  berry  had  he  seized, 

Ere  it  caught  him  unaware. 

Dear  children,  from  this  story  take 
A  warning,  good  and  true, 
Whene'er  forbidden  pleasures  lure 
The  snare  is  lurking  too, 
So  let  temptation's  berries  hang 
Untasted  still  by  von. 


95 


THE  IDLE  BOY. 

I  don't  like  horses  that  will  not  spring, 
And  I  don't  like  bells  that  will  not  ring ; 
I  don't  like  firewood  that  will  not  bnrn ; 
I  don't  like  mill-sails  that  will  not  turn, 
And  lazy  children  who  will  not  learn. 
96 


CHILD'S  PLAY. 

The  boy  who's  never  tired  of  play, 
Who  seeks  life's  joy  in  sport  alway, 
That  boy,  I'm  certain,  never  can 


The  girl  whose  sole  and  only  joys 
Are  centred  in  her  dolls  and  toys, 
That  foolish  girl  herself  will  be 
A  doll,  some  day,  assuredly. 

For  those  alone  who  keep  in  view, 

The  wish  to  learn  their  whole  life  througl 

The  certain  happiness  can  find, 

To  grow  in  sense,  and  heart  and  mind. 


Not  a  creature  so  lowly  in  state, 

But  God  will  look  down  on  its  pain ; 
For  nothing  that  God  did  create, 

Was  ever  created  in  vain. 
Not  a  hair  can  fall  off  from  our  head, 

Not  a  bird  from  the  roof,  without  Thee, 
Then  deign  Thou,  in  grief  and  in  dread, 

O  Lord,  our  protector  to  be. 

97  ° 


SIN  AND    PUNISHMENT. 

Through  all  the  land,  on  mischief  bent, 
(And  woe  to  him  to  whom  they  came), 

A  hand  of  evil  beings  went, 

And  Sin,  or  Crime  was  each  one's  name. 

The  grass  was  withered  where  they  passed, 
The  woods  and  meadows  still  as  death, 

And  Nature  seemed  to  stand  aghast, 
And  shudder  at  their  poisonous  breath. 

By  chance  they  turned, — then  saw  they  one, 
An  aged  man,  all  bowed  and  bent, 

Who  with  a  crutch  came  creeping  on, — 
They  knew  his  name  was  Punishment. 

"  Ha  !  ha  \"  they  cried,  "  we  will  not  wait  V 
But  Punishment  replied,  secure  : 

"  I'll  overtake  you,  soon  or  late, 
I  may  be  slow,  but  I  am  sure." 


OX,  ASS,  AND   LION. 

Ox  and  Ass  were  once  disputing, 
As  they  wandered  through  the  field, 
Which  of  them  might  be  the  wiser ; 
Neither  conquered,  none  would  yield. 


True  Friend Jli  ip. 

And  at  last  they  both  consented 
That  the  Lion,  speedily, 
Should  decide  the  weighty  question  ;- 
Who  could  better  judge  than  he? 

So,  with  most  respectful  bearing, 
Came  they  to  the  Lion's  throne ; 
He,  with  scorn  that  he  concealed  not. 
On  the  kneeling  pair  looked  down. 

When  they  craved  to  hear  his  verdict, 
This  his  Majesty  did  say  : — 
"  Both  of  you  are  fools  undoubted  ;"- 
So  they  stared — and  went  their  way. 


TRUE  FRIENDSHIP. 

The  friend  who  shows  me  myself  in  a  glass, 
Nor  lets  e'en  the  smallest  failing  pass, 
Who  will  kindly  warn,  and  can  chide  me  too, 
When  I've  left  undone  what  I  ought  to  do  ; 

My  friend  is  he, 

Though  he  seem  not  to  be. 

But  he  who  can  never  censure  me, 
Whose  words  are  the  words  of  flattery, 
99 


The  Recogiiition. 

Who  succour  and  aid  to  my  faults  hath  lent, 
Who  waits  not  to  pardon  till  I  repent ; 

My  enemy  is  he, 

Though  he  seem  not  to  be. 

THE  RECOGNITION. 

A  weary  wanderer,  staff  in  hand, 
Comes  home  at  length,  from  a  foreign  land, 
Disfigured  with  dust,  and  with  many  a  stain, — 
Now  who  will  be  first  to  know  him  again  ? 

So  he  enters  the  town,  through  the  dear  old  gate, 

And  just  by  the  barrier  the  toll-man  sat — 

The  toll-man  had  been  his  comrade  tried, 

And  oft  in  time  past  had  sat  by  his  side  ; 

But  see,  the  good  toll-man  no  likeness  can  trace 

To  his  comrade  of  old,  in  the  sunburnt  face. 

And  still  through  the  streets  he  wanders  on, 
And  a  tear  on  his  sunburnt  cheek  falls  down — 
See,  his  sister  looks  down  from  a  lattice  high, 
And  he  greeteth  her  kindly,  passing  by ; 
Not  even  his  sister  the  features  can  trace 
Of  the  brother  she  loved,  in  the  sunburnt  face. 


The  Recognition. 

And  still  through  the  streets  he  wanders  on, 

And  the  tears  come  thick — and  he's  still  unknown. 


There  creeps  from  the  churchyard  his  mother  so  gray 
"  God  greet  you  \" — is  all  that  the  youth  can  say — 


Good  Wine. 

But  see,  she  sinks,  with  a  sob  of  joy — 

"  My  son  !  my  son  !"  on  the  neck  of  her  boy. 

Though  his  face  was  tanned,  though  years  had  gone 

by, 

No  change  could  deceive  the  mother's  eye. 


GOOD    WINE. 

The  best  of  wine  for  children,  it  is  the  pure  white  wine 
That  gushes  from  the  mountain  whereon  the  sunbeams 

shine ; 
It  flows   through  wood  and  meadow,  where  bird   and 

insect  play  ; 
It  gives  no   child  the  headache,   drink    deeply    as   he 

may ; 
And  if  it's  best  for  children,  as  all  good  people  tell, 
Methinks  it  must   be  wholesome  for  grown-up  folks 

as  well ; 
For  many  have   been  rescued   from   illness  and   from 

pain, 
The  day  they  took  to  drinking  the   pure  white  Mine 

again. 


THE  LITTLE  BOY  WHO  WANTED  TO  BE 
TAKEN    EVERYWHERE. 

Just  think  !  the  little  boy  went  one  day, 

Into  the  meadows  green,  to  play. 

Then  he  was  tired,  rather, 

And  said,  "  I  can't  go  farther — 

I  only  wish  that  any  one 

Would  come  this  way,  and  take  me  on." 

Then  came  the  streamlet  gurgling  down, 
And  offered  to  take  the  little  boy  on  ; 
So  on  a  little  log  sat  he, 
And  gaily  cried,  "  This  pleases  me  !" 

But  only  think  !  so  cold  was  the  river, 

The  little  boy  began  to  shiver ; 

He  grew  chilly,  rather, 

And  said,  "  I'll  go  thus  no  farther — 

I  only  wish  that  any  one 

Would  come  this  way,  and  take  me  on." 

Then  came  the  little  boat  floating  down, 
And  offered  to  take  the  little  boy  on — 
Then  in  the  little  boat  sat  he, 
And  gaily  cried,  "  This  pleases  me  !" 

But  you  must  know,  the  boat  wasn't  wide, 

And  the  boy  might  soon  fall  over  the  side ; 

i°3 


The  Reftlefs  Little  Boy. 

Then  he  was  frightened,  rather, 

And  said,  "  I'll  go  thus  no  farther — 

I  only  wish  that  any  one 

Would  come  this  way,  and  take  me  on." 

Then  came  a  big  snail  crawling  down, 
And  offered  to  take  the  little  hoy  on — 
So  on  the  snail-shell  down  sat  he, 
And  gaily  cried,  "  This  pleases  me  !" 

But  what  do  you  think — the  snail  lagged  so. 

For  the  little  hoy  it  was  far  too  slow ; 

He  grew  impatient,  rather. 

And  cried,  "  I'll  go  thus  no  farther — 

I  only  wish  that  any  one 

Would  come  this  way,  and  take  me  on." 

Then  came  a  horseman  riding  down, 
And  offered  to  take  the  little  boy  on; 
So  at  the  horseman's  back  sat  he, 
And  gaily  cried,  "  This  pleases  me  !" 

But  fancy  !  they  went  on  like  the  wind, 
Too  fast  for  the  boy  who  rode  behind  ; 
He  was  jerked  and  jolted,  rather, 
And  cried,  "  I'll  go  thus  no  farther — 
I  only  wish  that  any  one 
Would  come  this  way,  and  take  me  on." 
104 


The  Reftlefs  Little  Boy. 

The  branch  of  a  tree  caught  in  his  hair, 
And  hooked  the  little  boy  then  and  there  ; 


And  so  he  hung  at  the  end  of  a  bough, 
And  unless  he's  got  loose  he  hangs  there  now. 
105  p 


THE  RIDDLES  OF  THE  ELVES. 

The  elves  they  sat  in  the  rocky  shaft. 
And  chatted  away,  all  night,  and  laughed ; 

They  asked  these  riddles,  one  by  one, 
Which,  if  not  gold,  had  a  golden  tone,— 

And  when  the  morning  breezes  blew, 
Away  flew  the  elves,  or  melted  like  dew. 

"  AY  hat  gold  in  no  mine  may  ever  lie  V 
"The  srold  of  the  sun  that  comes  from  on  high, 


"  The  silver  moon  that  hath  o'er  us  rolled." 

"  AYhat  tear  wells  up  from  the  hardest  breast  ?" 
"  The  spring  that  hath  lain  in  the  rock  at  rest." 

"  What's  the  widest  bridge  that  can  span  a  lake  ?" 
"  The  ice-bridge — built  of  a  single  cake." 

11  What  flood  may  ne'er  from  its  home  depart  ?" 
"  The  stream  that  flows  through  the  human  heart." 
1 06 


The  Riddles  of  the  Elves. 

:<  Who  is  it  mourns  in  his  gayest  gown  V 

"  The  tree,  when  in  autumn  its  leaves  fall  down." 

"  Who  sees  not  the  inside  of  his  own  home  ? 

"  The  snail,  though  he  never  departs  therefrom." 

"  Where  have  they  made  the  smallest  the  king?" 
"  The  kingfisher  is  but  a  weak  small  thing/' 

"  When  does  the  weak  tread  down  the  strong 
Man  crushes  the  earth  as  he  walks  along." 

"  What  is  stronger  than  firm-set  ground?" 

"  The  plough  that  tears  it  with  many  a  wound." 

"  What  is  stronger  than  iron  or  brass  ?" 
"  The  fiery  flame  that  melteth  the  mass." 

"  What  is  stronger  than  fiercest  fire  ? 

"  The  watery  stream  that  can  quench  its  ire." 

"  What  more  strong  than  the  Avaves  that  flow  ? 
u  The  wind  that  drive th  them  to  and  fro." 

"  What  is  stronger  than  wind  and  air  ?" 

"  The  thunder, — they  tremble  when  that  is  there." 

I07 


The  White  Hart. 

"  Why  does  not  water  flow  uphill  ?" 

"  Because  to  flow  downward  is  easier  still/' 

1 '  Why  are  the  fishes  dumb  alway  ?" 

"  Because  they've  no  clever  things  to  say." 

"  Who  can  answer  these  riddles  true  ?" 
"  Whoever  knoweth  a  rhyme  thereto." 

"  And  wherefore  do  I  now  give  o'er?" 
"  Because  I  wish  to  hear  no  more." 


THE  WHITE  HART. 

Three  hunters  went  to  the  wood  one  day, 
The  merry  white  hart  to  kill  and  slay. 
They  went  to  sleep  in  the  sun's  bright  beam ; 
They  woke,  and  then  each  man  told  his  dream. 

The  First  Hunter  said  : — 
1  dreamt  I  went  and  bent  on  the  bush, 
And  the  hart  came  bounding  out,  pish,  push  !  ' 

The  Second  said  : — 
I  dreamt,  in  front  of  the  hounds  he  sprang, 
And  then  that  I  fired  at  him,  bing,  bang  !  " 

108 


The  White  Hart. 

The  Third  said  : — 

I  dreamt  that  the  stag  on  the  ground  I  saw, 
And  merrily  blew  my  horn,  tra-ra  !  " 


c^^t&?^M3mm^?~: 


As  thus  the  three  hunters  talking  lay, 
The  white  hart  himself  ran  by  that  way ; 
And  before  the  hunters  had  marked  him  well, 
He  was  up  and  away  through  dingle  and  dell, 
Pish  push,  piff  paff,  tra-ra  ! 
109 


THE  POOR   MAN. 

I  am  a  very  poor,  poor  man, 
Alone  I  take  my  way  ; 
I  wish  I  could  but  once  again 
Be  very  glad  and  gay. 

At  home,  in  my  dear  parent's  house, 
A  merry  child  was  I ; 
Now  want  and  sorrow  are  my  lot, 
Since  in  their  grave  they  lie. 

I  see  the  rich  man's  garden  bloom, 
By  golden  fields  I  go  ; 
But  mine  is  still  the  barren  path, 
That  leads  through  toil  and  woe. 

Yet  'tis  a  mournful  joy  to  me, 
To  pause  where  men  are  gay ; 
And  heartily,  with  right  good  will, 
I  wish  them  all  good  day. 

O  bounteous  God,  Thou  hast  not  left 
Me  utterly  alone; 
A  comfort  sweet  for  all  the  world, 
Comes  pouring  from  Thy  Throne. 
1 10 


Lion  and  For. 

For  yet  by  every  village  street,, 
Thy  holy  house  they  rear; 
The  organ  and  the  solemn  hymn, 
These  are  for  ev'ry  ear. 

Thy  sun  and  moon,  and  beauteous  stars, 
Shed  their  pure  light  on  me  ; 
And  when  the  bell  at  even  sounds, 
I  seem  to  speak  with  Thee. 

LION  AND  FOX. 

Master  Fox  came  up  to  the  Lion  one  day, 

"  Now  listen,  your  highness,  to  what  I've  to  say — 

I've  been  so  put  out  that  I  can't  go  away. 

"  Concerning  your  highness  the  ass  speaks  not  well, 
He  says — what  men  praise  in  you,  he  cannot  tell ; 
That  as  to  your  courage,  he  feels  a  grave  doubt, 
You've  done  nothing  noble  that  he  can  find  out ; 
That  you  eat  up  the  poor,  and  seek  motives  for  strife 
And  praise  you  or  love  you  he  can't,  for  his  life." 

For  a  moment  or  two  the  great  Lion  was  still, 
Then  said  : — "  Master  Fox,  let  him  talk  as  he  will, 
It  would  not  become  me  to  notice  his  bray,. 
Or  value  at  all  what  a  donkey  may  say." 


THE  OLD  APPLE  TREE. 


I'm  fond  of  the  good  old  apple  tree, 
A  very  good-natured  friend  is  he, 
For  knock  at  his  door  whene'er  you  may 
He's  always  something  to  give  away. 
I  12 


The  Emperor  who  became  a  Carpenter 

Shake  him  in  Winter,  on  all  below 
He'll  send  down  a  shower  of  feathery  snow ; 
And  when  the  Spring  sun  is  shining  bright, 
He'll  fling  down  blossoms  pink  and  white. 

And  when  the  Summer  comes  so  warm, 
He  shelters  the  little  birds  safe  from  harm, 
And  shake  him  in  Autumn,  he  will  not  fail 
To  send  you  down  apples  thick  as  hail. 

Therefore  it  cannot  a  wonder  be 

That  we  sing  Hurrah  for  the  Apple -tree  ! 


THE    EMPEROR    WHO    BECAME 
A  CARPENTER. 

Now,  there  was  once  an  Emperor, 
A  great  and  mighty  man ; 
And  when  he  said,  "  Do  this — do  that/' 
A  thousand  servants  ran. 

The  Emp'ror  said, — "  One  thing  I  lack, 
A  ship  to  sail  the  sea, 
The  master  who  can  build  me  one, 
I'll  pay  him  gallantly. " 

"3    >  Q 


The  Emperor  who  became  a  Carpenter. 

And  forth  to  seek  a  shipwright  good, 
They  sent  to  east  and  west ; 
But  in  the  land  there  was  not  one 
Could  do  his  lord's  behest. 

The  Emperor  was  angry  then, 
And  laid  aside  his  crown, 
"  Then  I  must  work  myself,"  he  said, 
And  from  his  throne  came  down. 

And  left  his  land,  and  seized  an  axe, 
And  wrought  for  daily  pay ; 
And  thus  became  a  carpenter 
For  many  a  weary  day. 

Till  he  could  build  a  stately  ship, 
With  mast,  and  flag,  and  vane ; 
And  then  he  joyfully  went  home, 
To  take  his  crown  again. 

You  children,  who  your  daily  task, 
Too  often  wish  to  shirk, 
Think  of  the  man  who  built  the  ship, 
The  Emperor  who  could  work  ! 
114 


THE  LITTLE  LAMB. 

A  little  lambkin,  white  as  snow, 
Went  feeding  with  its  brothers, 

And  raced  and  frolicked  to  and  fro, 
More  wildly  than  the  others. 


It  ran  and  sprang  o'er  stick  and  stont 
And  no  one  could  prevent  it ; 
"5 


The  Little  Lamb. 

"  Stop  !  "  cried  the  mother,  "little  one, 
Or  surely  you'll  repent  it." 

The  little  lamb  Trent  racing  still, 
And  frolicked  all  the  faster ; 

Till,  by  a  neighbouring  rocky  hill, 
It  met  with  dire  disaster. 

A  great  stone  lay  there  on  the  grass, 
Our  lamb  must  needs  jump  o'er  it, 

And  fell,  and  broke  its  leg,  alas  ! 
Now  sorrow  lav  before  it. 


I've  told  this  little  tale,  dear  child. 
That  thou  this  lesson  learnest, 

The  sport  that's  careless,  rude,  and  >ril</, 
May  change  to  bitter  earnest ! 


1.6 


THE  KIND   HOST. 

Oh,  of  a  host  right  kind  and  good, 

I've  been  a  gnest  ere  now, 
The  sign  of  his  house,  in  the  gay  green  wood, 

Was  an  apple  that  swang  from  a  bough. 

It  was  the  merry  apple  tree 

With  whom  I  went  to  dwell, 
With  food  and  with  drink  as  sweet  as  might  be, 

He  entertained  me  well. 

A  hundred  other  guests  at  least, 

To  meet  me  came  flying  along, 
They  hopped  and  they  fluttered,  and  held  a  feast   - 

And  each  of  them  knew  a  song. 

On  the  fragrant  moss  so  fresh  and  green, 

The  softest  of  beds  was  made, 
My  host  spread  o'er  me  himself,  I  ween, 

His  comforting  genial  shade. 

And  when  I  asked  what  I  had  to  pay, 

He  shook  his  head  so  high  ; 
Good  luck  to  my  gallant  host  alway, 

Root,  branch,  and  crown,  sav  I  ! 


IN  THE  CORN  FIELD. 

We've  ploughed  our  land,  and  with  even  hand 
The  seed  o'er  the  field  we've  strown ; 
But  sunshine  and  rain,  to  ripen  the  grain, 
Can  be  given  by  God  alone. 

The  seed  that  springs,  and  the  bird  that  sings, 
And  the  shining  summer  sun, 
The  tiny  bee,  and  the  mighty  sea, 
God  made  them,  every  one. 

Then,  thankful  we'll  be,  for  shall  not  He 
Who  gives  to  each  bird  a  nest, — 
To  each  bee  a  flower,  for  its  little  hour, 
(Jive  his  children  food  and  rest? 


THE  BIRD  AND  THE  MAID. 

There  sat  a  bird  on  the  elder-bush, 
One  beauteous  morn  in  May ; 

And  a  little  girl  'neath  the  elder-bush, 
That  beauteous  morn  in  May  ; 

The  bird  was  still  while  the  maiden  sang, 

And  when  she  had  done  his  song  outrang 

1 1  8 


The  Bird  and  the  Maid. 

And  thus  in  the  rays  of  the  bright  spring  sun, 
The  maid  and  the  bird  sang  on  and  on — 
That  beauteous  morn  in  May. 

And  what  I  pray,  sang  the  bright  bird  there, 

That  beauteous  morn  in  May ; 
And  what  was  the  song  of  the  maiden  fair, 

That  beauteous  morn  in  May  ? 

They  were  singing  their  thanks  to  God  above, 
For  the  bounteous  gifts  of  his  priceless  love, — - 
O  !  such  songs  of  praise, 
Should  be  sung  always, 

Each  beauteous  morn  in  May  ! 


As  many  stars  as  on  winter  nights 
Shine  out  from  the  sky's  deep  blue ; 
As  many  lambs  as  on  summer  days 
Are  sporting  the  meadow  through ; 
As  many  birds  as  in  sweet  spring-time 
Fly  forth  o'er  the  sunlit  lea  ; 
So  many  kisses  I'd  like  to  send, 
Dear  mother  mine,  to  thee. 
119 


CHRISTMAS  TREE. 

Hurrah  !  we've  got  him — the  Christmas-tree, 

That  all  the  children  love  to  see, 

He  stood  forlorn  in  the  copse  below. 

And  his  outstretched  arms  they  were  stiff  with  snow 

I  20 


A  Merry  Story. 

I  should  like  to  know  what  presents  bright 
Will  hang  on  his  branches  to-morrow  night 
But,  hush  !   we  won't  ask  any  questions  yet  ; 
To-morrow  will  show  what  each  will  get. 

Hurrah  !  the  fields  are  all  white  with  snow, 
But  green  as  ever  his  branches  glow ; 
In  winter  or  summer  no  change  knows  he, 
He's  always  our  dear  old  Christmas-tree  ! 


A  MERRY  STORY. 

The  dumb  man  said  to  the  blind  man: 
"  The  harper  I  want  to-day, 
So  tell  me,  have  you  seen  him, 
When  he  passed  by  this  way  ? 
Not  that  I  care  for  harping 
Myself,  as  it  might  appear, 
But  I  wish  he'd  play  me  something 
For  my  deaf  son  to  hear." 

The  blind  man  said,  "  This  moment 
I've  seen  the  very  one, 
And  here's  my  leg-less  servant, 
To  bring  him  he  shall  run  ;" 

121  R 


A  Merry  Story. 

The  leg-less  man,  obedient, 
Went  tramping  up  and  down, 
And  ran,  to  find  tlie  harper, 
Through  all  the  streets  in  town. 

Right  quickly  came  the  harper 
His  honoured  friends  to  meet, 
He  had  no  hands,  the  harper, 
He  played  with  both  his  feet; 
He  played,  until,  to  hear  him 
The  deaf  man  was  all  aglow, 
The  blind  man  stared  with  wonder, 
And  the  dumb  man  cried  "  bra-ro  V 

The  leg-less  man  fell  a  dancing, 
And  sprang  with  main  and  might, 
The  company  kept  together 
Till  day  gave  place  to  night. 
And  when  at  last  they  parted, 
Right  pleased  was  every  one; 
And  so  I  hope  will  you  be, 
For  all  this  is  only  fun. 


FOR  WANT  OF  A  NAIL." 


The  master  rode,  'twas  for  him  to  ride, 
While  his  faithful  servant  ran  by  his  side 
My  lord  rode  on  over  stock  and  stone, 
The  other  wearily  tramping  on. 

'23 


"  For  Want  of  a  Nail? 

Yet  by  his  master's  side  kept  he, 
The  faithful  servant,  and  fears  to  see 
Him  fall  so  heavily. 


"  My  lord,  my  lord,"  doth  the  servant  shout, 
A  nail  from  your  horse's  shoe  fell  out, 
And  if  the  nail  be  not  fastened  on 
Your  horse's  shoe  will  be  lost  and  gone." 
"  Then  let  the  nail  go,  friend  ;  what  care  I  ? 
The  shoe  hath  more  nails  to  hold  it  by, 
And  keeps  on  readily." 

Again  is  heard  the  warning  tone — 
"  My  lord,  from  the  hoof  the  shoe  is  gone; 
And  unless  you  fasten  it  quickly  on, 
Your  horse  I  fear  will  be  lost  and  gone." 
"  Let  the  shoe  go,  friend  ;  what  care  I  ? 
The  horse  hath  more  shoes,  and  he  may  try 
To  keep  on  steadily." 

And  ere  the  servant  again  can  cry, 

He  hath  struck  on  a  stone  that  lay  close  by  ; 

Down  falls  the  steed  and  can  rise  no  more, 

And  the  master's  reign  of  pride  is  o'er ; 

He  cries  no  longer  now  "  What  care  I  ?" — 

He  rises  sloAvly,  and  marches  by 

"With  his  servant,  weanlv. 


124. 


THE  CHICKENS  AND  THE  HAWK. 


Forth  from  the  bam,  the  hen 
Led  chickens  eight,  nine,  ten — 
Through  the  yard  the  little  rout 
Ran  so  gaily  round  about, 
Scratching  in  the  yellow  ground, 
Gleeful  when  a  prize  they  found. 


The  Chickens  and  the  Hawk. 

"  At  once,"  cried  out  the  lien, 
"  Come  chickens,  eight,  nine,  ten  ! 
Run  to  shelter,  for  I  spy- 
Yonder  hawk  that  wheels  on  high." 
Quickly  ran  those  chickens  there — 
Upward  gazing  in  the  air. 

Right  saucily,  cried  then, 

Those  chickens  eight,  nine,  ten — 

"  Does  our  mother  mean,  I  wonder 

That  small  speck  that's  floating  yonder. 

And  she  raises  such  a  cry 

For  that  little  beetle-fly  ?" 

But  down  the  hawk  swooped  then 
Upon  those  chickens  ten — 
And  the  little  saucy  crowd, 
Saw  their  danger,  screamed  aloud. 
And  the  mother,  with  dismay, 
Saw  the  hawk  bear  two  awav. 


126 


INDUSTRY. 

Gather  roses  while  they  bloom, 

Never  lose  a  day, 
Nor  in  sloth  one  hour  consume, — 

Time  doth  pass  away. 

Now  you've  opportunity 

Both  for  work  and  play ; 
Where  may  you  to-morrow  be  ? — 

Time  doth  pass  away. 

Men  have  mourned  their  whole  life  through 

One  good  deed's  delay ; 
Do  at  once  what  you've  to  do, — 

Time  doth  pass  away. 

CRADLE  SONG. 

Sleep,  baby,  sleep, 
Thy  father  keeps  the  sheep, 
Thy  mother  shakes  the  little  tree, 
Then  falleth  down  a  dream  for  thee. 
Sleep,  baby,  sleep. 

Sleep,  baby,  sleep, 

The  sky  is  full  of  sheep, 


The  lambs  are  little  stars  of  light. 
The  shepherd  is  the  moon  so  bright. 
Sleep,  baby,  sleep. 

Sleep,  baby,  sleep, 

And  I'll  give  thee  a  sheep, 

128 


The  Chapel. 

All  with  a  chain  of  gold  so  fine, 
And  it  shall  be  the  playmate  thine. 
Sleep,  baby,  sleep. 


THE  CHAPEL. 

On  the  hill-side  stands  the  chapel, 
Looking  on  the  valley  deep, 

"Where,  by  stream  and  valley  singing, 
Blithe  the  herd-boy  tends  his  sheep. 

Hark  !  the  little  bell  tolls  sadly  ! 

See  the  mourners  mount  the  hill ; 
And  the  boy's  glad  voice  is  silent, 

And  he  listens  grave  and  still. 

Yonder  to  the  grave  are  carried 

Those  who  here  were  blithe  and  gay 

Little  herd-boy,  little  herd-boy, 
Thus  they'll  toll  for  thee  one  day. 


1 29 


THE  FOUR  SEASONS. 
Birds  are  in  the  woodland,  buds  are  on  the  tree, 
Merry  Spring  is  coming,  ope  the  pane  and  see. 


Then  come  sportive  breezes,  fields  with  tiow'rs  are  gay, 


The  Daify. 

Fruits  are  ripe  in  Autumn,  leaves  are  sere  and  red, 
Then  Ave  glean  the  corn-field,  thanking  God  for  bread. 

Then  at  last  comes  Winter,  fields  are  cold  and  lorn, 
But  there's  happy  Christmas,  when  our  Lord  was  born. 

Thus  as  years  roll  onward,  merrily  we  sing, 
Thankful  for  the  blessings  all  the  seasons  bring. 


THE  DAISY. 

Now  say,  what  has  the  daisy  done 
That  no  one  hath  a  song  begun, 
Wherein  is  modestly  set  forth 
The  pretty  simple  floweret's  worth  ? 
I'll  of  the  daisy  sing  to-day, 
And  in  its  praise  shall  be  my  lay. 

The  worth  of  things,  Ave  often  find, 
Is  wrongly  judged  by  human  mind  ; 
At  some  things,  "  Wonder  !"  still  Ave  < 
In  others,  beauty  'scapes  our  eye ; 
And  seeing  nought  we  onward  pass — 
And  this  is  just  the  daisy's  case. 
*3> 


The  Daify. 

In  proper  time  the  daisies  may 
Rejoice  our  hearts  like  roses  gay  ; 
Who  values  not  the  daisy  ne'er 
Shall  sit  among  our  circle  here  ; 
For  we  will  sing  a  daisy -song — 
Who  likes  it  not  may  hold  his  tongue. 


Full,  well  you  all,  dear  children,  know, 
How  February's  clothed  in  snow ; 
Let  once  the  thaw-wind  sweep  the  plain, 
And  lo  !  the  daisy  blooms  again, 
'Mid  winter's  raging  strife  to  be 
A  token  of  Spring's  victory. 

And  when  that  herald  I  espy 
I  feel  my  heart  is  bounding  high — 
It  seems  as  though  in  joyful  guise 
To  life  renew'd  all  dead  things  rise  ; 
And  Death  says  to  me,  with  a  smile, 
"  My  subjects  sleep  but  for  a  while  !" 

In  Autumn,  too,  I  often  see, 

When  wither'd  leaves  drop  off  the  tree, 

132 


The  Two  Travellers. 

The  daisy  blooms  in  beauty  on 
As  if  its  morn  were  not  yet  gone ; 
Heaven  grant  that  once  my  autumn  hour 
May  be  like  that  of  daisj'-flower. 

I  pity  much  the  foolish  wight 
"Who  holds  the  daisy's  value  light ; 
Who  little  beauties  can  despise, 
On  greater  things  will  close  his  eyes  ; 
And  thus  to  teach  us  all  thy  worth, 
Thou  little  modest  flower,  stand  forth  ! 


THE  TWO  TRAVELLERS. 

There  went  two  travellers  forth  one  day, 
To  a  beautiful  mountain  they  took  their  way  ; 
The  one, — an  idle  hour  to  employ, 
The  other  to  see, — to  learn, — to  enjoy. 

And  when  from  their  journeying  homeward  they  came, 
There  crowded  around  them  master  and  dame ; 
And  a  storm  of  questions  from  great  and  small— 
"  Now,  what  have  you  seen  ? — Pray  tell  us  all ! " 
133 


The  Tiro  Travellers. 


The  first  one  yawned  as  he  answer  made, 
"  Seen  ? — Why  little  enough  '."—lie  said- 


"  Trees  and  meadows,  and  brook,  and  grove— 
And  song-birds  around,  and  sunshine  above." 

'34 


Morning   Song. 

The  other  gave  smiling  the  same  reply — 
But  with  brightening  face  and  flashing  eye, 
"  Oh,  trees  and  meadows,  and  brook  and  grove, 
And  song-birds  around,  and  sunshine  above." 


MORNING  SONG. 

Now  the  dark  night  hath  passed  away. 
Now  sings  the  lark,  now  dawns  the  day 
And  see,  the  bright  sun,  from  on  high, 
Shines  clown  upon  us  wondrously. 

It  shines  upon  the  monarch's  hall, 
It  shines  upon  the  beggar's  stall, 
And  what  lay  hid  in  darkest  night 
It  brings  full  clearly  to  the  light. 

Then  let  us  thank  and  praise  the  Lord, 
Who  to  us  shelter  deigned  afford, 
And  with  His  holy  angels  kept 
His  helpless  children  while  they  slept. 
'35 


Morning  Song. 

For  many  closed  their  eves  in  pain, 
And  never  saw  the  light  again ; 


«r 


Then  thank  and  praise  Him,  every  one, 
On  whom  shines  down  the  blessed  sun. 
136 


A  CHILD'S  CHRISTMAS  CAROL. 

(Sung  three  hundred  years  ago.) 

From  heaven  high  I've  wandered  forth, 
To  bring  glad  tidings  down  on  earth ; 
Good  store  of  tidings  glad  I  bring, 
Whereof  IT1  speak,  whereof  I'll  sing. 

For  unto  you  a  child  this  morn 
Is  of  a  chosen  Virgin  born ; 
A  beauteous  Child,  so  fair  to  see, 
Your  joy  and  comfort  it  shall  be. 

For  he  is  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord, 
Who  unto  all  shall  help  afford ; 
To  be  our  Saviour  He  doth  deign 
To  cleanse  us  from  each  sinful  stain. 

Salvation  'mong  you  He  will  share 
That  God  the  Father  did  prepare, 
That  in  the  heavenly  kingdom  ye 
Might  come  to  dwell  eternally. 

137  T 


Clirijlmas   Carol  for   Children. 

Then  mark  ye  well  the  signs  He  chose, 
The  lowly  crib,  the  swaddling  clothes ; 
There  lieth,  as  an  infant  small, 
He  whose  great  power  sustaineth  all. 


Let  us  rejoice,  then,  ev'ry  one, 
And  with  the  shepherds  wander  on, 
To  see  the  gift  the  God  of  Heaven 
For  us  in  His  dear  Son  hath  given. 

Awake  my  soul,  and  lift  thine  eyes, 
Behold  what  in  yon  manger  lies  ! 
Who  is  this  beauteous  babe  so  mild  ? 
It  is  the  lovely  Jesus-Child. 

All  hail  to  Thee  !  Thou  heavenly  guest, 
Who  scorn'st  not  us,  by  sin  opprest, 
But  helpest  all  our  misery — 
How  shall  we  thank  Thee  worthily  ? 


O  Thou  that  didst  all  things  create, 
How  hast  Thou  ta'en  such  lowly  state, 
138 


Chrijimas   Carol  for   Children. 

To  make  the  wither' d  grass  Thy  bed, 
On  which  the  kine  and  oxen  fed  ! 


And  if  one  mass  were  all  this  earth 
Of  gold,  and  gems  of  priceless  worth, 
Too  small  and  mean  it  still  would  be 
To  form  a  cradle,  Lord,  for  Thee. 

No  silks  and  velvets  here  are  Thine, 
Coarse  swaddling  clothes  Thy  limbs  entwine, 
Mid  these,  Thou  King  so  rich  and  great 
Dost  shine,  as  in  Thy  heavenly  state. 

O  Jesus  !  whom  my  soul  holds  dear, 
Make  unto  Thee  a  cradle  here ; 
Deign  Thou  to  dwell  within  my  heart, 
That  I  may  ne'er  from  Thee  depart. 

Then  blest  I  evermore  shall  be  ; 
Then  shall  I  ever  sing  of  Thee  ; 
My  grateful  carols  oft  shall  rise 
In  songs  rejoicing  to  the  skies. 

'39 


A  Cradle  Elegy. 

Glory  to  God  upon  the  throne, 
Who  sendeth  us  His  blessed  Son  ! 
Such  strains  the  angel  hosts  employ, 
To  sing  this  new  year's  bliss  and  joy  ! 


A  CRADLE  ELEGY. 

Baby,  sleep  on  mother's  arm, 
Safe  from  danger,  safe  from  harm, 
Buzzing  flies  shall  not  annoy, 
Mother's  love  shall  guard  her  boy. 

One  doth  watch  for  thee  and  me, 
Child  and  mother  guardeth  He ; 
Men  and  children,  great  and  small, 
Sleep  in  His  protection  all. 

Baby,  sleep  on  mother's  arm, 
Safe  from  danger,  safe  from  harm, 
Buzzing  flies  shall  not  annoy, 

Mother's  love  shall  guard  her  boy. 

140 


THE  KING'S  BRAVE  SON. 

The  old  grey-headed  king  he  sits 

Upon  his  father's  throne  ; 
His  mantle  gleams  like  the  eA^ening  red, 

Like  the  sinking  snn  his  crown. 


Come  ye,  my  first  and  my  second  son. 
I'll  give  to  you  my  land  ; 
141 


A  Song  of  the  Sea. 

But  thou,  my  third,  my  fav'rite  son, 
What  seek'st  thou  at  my  hand  ?  " 

Of  all  thy  treasures  give  me  none 
But  the  old  and  rusted  crown, 

And  three  good  ships,  and  I  will  go 
And  find  for  myself  a  throne/' 


A  SOXG  OF  THE  SEA. 

The  sea  is  deep  and  the  sea  is  broad ; 
But  the  glorious  power  and  might  of  God 
Is  deeper  far  than  the  sea's  deep  ground, 
Is  wider  far  than  the  earth's  wide  round. 

A.nd  many  fishes  swim  to  and  fro, 
And  the  Lord  looks  kindly  on  all  below, 
And  leads  them  wondrously  up  and  down, 
And  giveth  his  meat  to  every  one. 

And  high  as  the  raging  waves  may  go, 
At  His  command  are  they  all  laid  low ; 
And  thus  He  leads  with  His  faithful  hand 
The  ship  all  safe  to  the  farthest  land. 

1+2 


THE  RICHEST  PRINCE. 

Once,  as  many  German  princes 
Feasting  sat  at  knightly  board, 

Each  began  to  boast  the  treasures 
He  within  his  lands  had  stored. 

Cried  the  Saxon — "  Great  and  mighty 
Is  the  wealth,  the  power  I  wield, 

For  within  my  Saxon  mountains 
Sparkling  silver  lies  conceal'd." 

"  Mine's  the  land  that  glows  with  beauty  ! 

Cried  the  ruler  of  the  Rhine  ; 
"  In  the  valleys  yellow  corn-fields, 

On  the  mountains  noble  wine  \" 

"  Wealthy  cities  !  spacious  castles  ! " 

Lewis  said,  Bavaria's  lord ; 
"  Make  my  land  to  yield  me  treasures 

Great  as  those  your  fields  afford." 

Wurtemberg's  beloved  ruler, 

Everard,  called  "the  Bearded,"  cries, 
"  I  can  boast  no  splendid  cities  ; 

In  my  hills  no  silver  lies ; 

H3 


The  Richeji  Prince. 

"  But  I  still  can  boast  one  jewel, 
Through  my  forests.,  wandering  on, 

All  my  subjects  know  me — love  me — 
I  am  safe  with  every  one." 

Then  the  princes,  all  together, 

Rose  within  that  lofty  hall ; 
"  Bearded  Count,  thou'rt  rich/'  they  shouted, 

"  Thou  art  wealthiest  of  us  all  \" 


THE  WATCHMAN'S  SONG. 

Listen,  townsmen,  hear  me  tell 
Ten  hath  struck  upon  our  bell ; 
God  hath  given  commandments  ten 
That  we  might  be  happy  men. 

Nought  avails  that  men  should  ward  us, 

God  will  watch  and  God  will  guard  us. 

May  He,  of  His  boundless  might, 

Give  unto  us  all  ii"Ood  night. 


TO  THE  LARK. 


In  the  sun's  bright  gold, 
O'er  mountain  and  wold, 

Thy  gladsome  song  doth  rim 
As  thou  fliest  free 
Through  the  azure  sea, 

Cooling  thy  airy  wing. 
M5 


The  Bible. 

Where  the  light  cloud  soars, 
Where  the  torrent  pours, 

Canst  thou  flit  o'er  the  mountain's  brow 
Then  down  at  a  bound 
From  the  sky  to  the  ground — 

Oh,  a  glorious  life  hast  thou  ! 


THE  BIBLE. 

The  Bible  is  a  holy  book, 
It  tells  of  God  and  Heaven, 

And  teaches  us  to  Heaven  to  look, 
Whence  all  good  things  are  given. 

Dear  mother,  teach  me  soon  to  read 

This  holy  book,  I  pray  ; 
Then  God  will  help  us  in  our  need, 

And  bless  us  day  by  day. 


1 46 


TAILLEFER  THE  BRAVE. 

(A  Rhyme  of  Hajlings  FightJ 

It  was  the  Norman  William  who  loudly  did  call — 

"  Who  singeth  in  my  court-yard  ?  Who  sings  in  my  hall  ? 

Who  singeth  at  even  ?   Who  sings  all  day  long, 

And  makes  my  heart  to  leap  at  the  sound  of  his  song  ? 

"  It  is  my  bondman  Taillefer  who  ever  doth  sing, 
Standing  in  the  court-yard,  the  draw-wheel  to  swing ; 
In  hall  whene'er  the  wood-lire  he  kindles  and  rakes — 
At  even  ere  he  slumbers,  at  morn  when  he  wakes." 

Then  out  spake  Duke  William — "  A  good  serf  is  he, 
For  Taillefer  he  serveth  me  right  faithfullie  ; 
He  serves  me  in  the  court-yard,  he  serves  at  the  well, 
His  minstrelsie  it  maketh  my  bold  heart  to  swell." 

Then  out  spake  good  Taillefer — "  And  if  I  were  free, 
I'd  do  thee  better  service,  and  still  sing  for  thee ; 
How  merrily  on  horseback  my  sword  I  might  wield — 
How  would  I  sing  and  serve  thee  with  sword  and  with 
shield." 

i-47 


Taillefer  the  Brave. 

Nor  long  the  time  ere  Taillefer  rode  forth  to  the  field, 
All  on  a  gallant  war-steed,  with  sword  and  with  shield ; 
Looked  on  him  from  the  tower  the  Duke's  sister  fair — 
"Perdie,"  she  cried,  "  a  hero,  I  ween,  rideth  there." 

And  pricking  past  the  turret  where  leaned  the  fair  form, 
He  sang,  now  like  a  zephyr  and  now  like  a  storm ; 
"  How  blithely,"  cried  the  lady,  "  his  song  doth  out- 
pour ! 
It  shakes  my  heart  within  me — it  shakes  e'en  this  tower  !" 

Nor  long  the  time  e'er  William  would  sail  o'er  the  sea, 
To  England  would  he  wend  with  a  great  companie ; 
He  sprang  from  out  the  ship,  and  he  fell  on  his  hand  ; 
"  Ha !"  cried  he,  "  thus  I  seize  thee,  and  hold  thee, 
England!" 

Now  when  the  Norman  army  to  battle-field  strode, 
Before  the  Norman  Duke  noble  Taillefer  rode ; 
"  For  many  a  year  I've  kindled  the  fire  in  thy  hall — 
For  many  a  year  I've  wielded  the  sword  at  thy  call ; 

"  And  if  a  trusty  servant  I've  still  sung  for  thee, 
Been  first  thy  faithful  bondman  and  then  thy  vassal  free, 
Then  be  this  day  my  guerdon,  to  deal  to  the  foe, 
When  first  we  ride  against  him,  the  first  gallant  blow." 
148 


Taillefer  the  Brave. 

In  sight  of  all  the  army  rode  Taillefer  a-field, 
All  on  his  gallant  war-horse,  with  sword  and  with  shield  ; 
His  song  like  sound  of  trumpet  o'er  Hastings'  field  rolFd  : 
He  sang  the  songs  of  Roland,  and  good  knights  of  old. 

And  when  the  song  of  Roland  went  pealing  afar, 
The  banners  blew  out  proudly — the  men  long'd  for  war ; 
Then  burn'd  each  Norman  bosom,  impatient  with  ire, 
And  still  sang  bold  Taillefer,  and  still  stirr'd  the  fire. 

Then  bravely  rode  he  forward  to  deal  the  first  thrust, 
And  soon  an  English  horseman  lay  biting  the  dust ; 
And  high  he  swung  his  falchion,  and  smote  the  first  blow, 
Thereby  an  English  horseman  was  quickly  laid  low. 

The  Normans  saw  his  valour,  nor  tarried  they  long, 
With  clashing  shields  rode  forward,  with  war-cry  and 

song — 
And  then  the  weapons  clatter'd,  and  blush' d  rosy  red, 
Till  on  the  field  lay  Harold,  and  Saxon  churls  fled. 

The  Norman  Duke  at  evening  his  banner  spread  forth, 
And  pitch'd  his  tent  where  thousands  lay  dead  on  the 

earth, 
And  there  he  sat  carousing  with  wine  cup  in  hand, 
And  on  his  head  the  gold  crown  of  merry  England. 
149 


The  Bee. 

"  Stand  forth,  my  noble  Taillefer  !    Come,  drink  to  me, 

ho! 
Thy  song  hath  ofttime  pleased  me,  in  weal  and  in  woe  ; 
But  on  the  field  of  Hastings  thy  clash  and  thy  cry 
Shall  echo  in  my  ear  till  the  day  that  I  die  \" 


THE  BEE. 

There  was  a  little  busy  bee, 
Cheerfully  to  and  fro  flew  she, 
Drawing  and  drawing  continually 
Sweets  from  every  flower. 

Then  the  gardener's  daughter  came  out, 
And  saw  the  little  bee  roving  about, 
And  said,  "  In  some  flowers  there's  poison, 
no  doubt, 
Yet  on  all,  little  bee,  you  hover." 

■'  Certainly,"  answer'd  the  little  bee, 
•  I  meet  with  poison  occasionally  ; 
But  I  find  in  each  something  good,  you  see, 
And  T  meddle  not  with  the  poison." 


150 


RETRIBUTION. 

The  henchman  his  gallant  lord  hath  slain, 
The  henchman  to  be  a  lord  is  faim 

He  hath  stabbed  him  dead,  in  the  deep,  dark  wood, 
And  hath  sunk  the  corpse  in  the  deepest  flood. 
151 


The  Camel. 

His  master's  armour  the  wretch  doth  don, 
And  mounteth  his  master's  steed  upon. 

But  when  o'er  the  river  bridge  he'd  ride, 
The  stolen  horse  rears,  and  swerves  aside  ; 

When  he  strikes  the  golden  spurs  in  its  side, 
It  flings  him  into  the  foaming  tide, — 

With  hand  and  with  foot  doth  he  struggle  and  row 
But  the  stolen  armour  drags  him  below. 


THE  CAMEL. 

To  the  tune  of  a  fife  with  its  piercing  tone 

And  a  big  drum's  hollow  sound, 
A  stately  camel  came  marching  on, 

All  Lisbon's  city  round. 

The  doors  and  windows  threw  open  wide 
When  they  heard  his  footsteps  fall, 

And  a  thousand  critics,  "  O  wonder  \"  cried, 
In  praise  unanimous  all. 

Then  cried  a  courtier,  "  Look  there,  look  there, 
How  nobly  it  bows  the  knee;" 
152 


The  Camel. 

"  And  see,"  said  a  prince,  "  it  will  burdens  bear 
And  carry,  and  silent  be." 

"  How  high  it  carries  its  lofty  head, 
And  its  neck  curved  like  a  swan," 

A  haughty  vain  young  damsel  said — 
And  she  proudly  toss'd  her  own — 

"  Silence,  pert  thing  !"  her  grandame  says 

(For  she  was  a  well-known  scold) , 
"  Let  me  tell  you  'twill  fast  for  days  and  days, 
I  Like  the  monks  austere  of  old." 


And  then  a  crook-back' d  man  came  by, — 

"The  best  of  all,"  said  he, 
"  Is  the  hump  it  bears  on  its  back  so  high, 

At  least  so  it  seems  to  me." 

Such  is  the  judgment  of  men  !  they  praise 
What  doth  with  themselves  agree ; 

They  like  the  man  who  reflects  their  ways, 
If  even  their  faults  have  he. 


1 53 


COMING  OF  SPRING. 

Opex  your  windows  and  open  your  hearts  ! 
Spring-time  is  coming  and  winter  departs  ! 
Old  Winter  lie  wishes  to  be  let  out, 
And  all  through  the  house  goes  tripping  about ; 
His  old  grey  cloak  to  his  breast  he  strains, 
And  he's  scraping  together  his  frozen  gains. 

Open  your  windows  and  open  your  hearts  ! 
Spring-time  is  coming  and  winter  departs  ! 
Here  at  the  town-gate  Spring  is  near, 
So  give  poor  old  Winter  a  tug  by  the  ear, 
And  pluck  his  old  beard  of  hoary  grey, 
For  that's  the  merry  young  fellow's  way. 

Open  your  windows  and  open  your  hearts  ! 

Spring-time  is  coming,  and  winter  departs  ! 

The  Spring  is  here,  and  he  will  come  in, 

He  comes  with  music  and  merry  din ; 

He's  rapping  and  tapping  with  main  and  might, 

And  ringing  with  flower-bells  blue  and  white. 


54 


THE  BOY  AND  THE  ASS. 

"  Donkey,  I'll  ask  you  a  riddle  to-day — 
What  is  that  creature  whose  hide  is  gray, 
Whose  ears  are  large,  and  whose  sense  is  small, 
Who  cries  l  Ye -aw .' '  and  walks  with  a  lazy  crawl  ?" 
11  Dear  boy,  that's  too  hard  and  too  deep  for  me, 
Pray  tell  me  what  may  this  creature  be  ?  " 

Then  the  boy  laugh'd  loudly,  and  said,  "  Go  to, 

You  foolish  donkey,  I  spoke  of  you." 

The  ass  prick' d  his  ears,  but  could  not  make  out 

Whatever  the  boy  was  talking  about. 

And  the  child  went  away — he  was  wrong,  I  confess, 

For  who'd  give  a  donkey  a  riddle  to  guess  ? 


'  5: 


THE  GLOW-WORM. 
See  yonder  glow-worm,  the  tiny  thing, 
That  gleameth  as  if  it  were  a  king ; 
"Whose  breast  like  a  little  star  doth  blaze, 
As  from  flower  to  flower  in  the  grass  it  strays, 
So  joyous,  blithe,  and  free. 
156 


The  Lionefs  and  her  Cubs. 

How  great  must  He  be,  how  good,  who  could  form 
With  such  perfect  wisdom  that  tiny  worni  ! 
Who  decked  it  out  in  its  shining  dress, 
And  filled  its  small  life  with  happiness, — 
The  God  whom  we  cannot  see. 

THE  LIONESS  AND  HER  CUBS. 

(From  the  German  of  Hans  Sachs,  the  Cobbler-poet ) 

He  who  on  others  brings  distress 
Sows  for  himself  unhappiness, 
As  happened  to  the  lioness. 

A  lioness  had  made  her  den 
For  her  two  cubs  in  woodland  glen ; 
But  once,  while  she  was  out  for  prey, 
A  hunter  chanced  to  come  that  way. 
He,  entering,  found  the  cubs  within, 
And  slew  them  both,  and  took  the  skin, 
And  onward  went  he  through  the  wood. 
Soon  came  the  mother  home  with  food, 
And  when  she  found  her  cubs  were  slain 
She  roar'd  in  mingled  rage  and  pain, 
And  wept  and  grieved  full  bitterly. 
That  heard  an  old  fox  passing  by, 
And  said,  "  Good  sister,  why  this  wail  V 

157 


The  Lionefs  and  her  Cubs. 

The  lioness  her  woes  did  tell, 
With  plenteous  tears  and  groans  and  cries 
Then  spake  the  fox,  in  cunning  wise  : — 
"  To  know  thy  age  full  fain  am  I." 
Whereto  the  lioness  made  reply  : — 
"  Almost  a  hundred  years  I  own." 
"  Now  tell  me  true,"  the  fox  went  on, 
What  all  this  time  hath  been  thy  meat, 
Since  thou  hast  dwelt  in  this  retreat  ?" 
"  My  meat,"  the  lioness  did  own, 
"  Hath  been  the  flesh  of  beasts  alone— 
As  hares  and  foxes,  hart  and  hind, 
And  what  I  in  the  wood  might  find." 
The  fox  said — "  And  were  these  thy  food  1 
Had  they  not  fathers  and  mothers  good  ? 
Then  thou  this  self-same  wrong  hast  done, 
For  ev'ry  creature  loves  its  young 
As  much  as  thou  hast  loved  these  twain. 
How  often  hast  thou  given  pain, 
When  thou  their  little  cubs  didst  eat  ? 
Now  with  that  measure  thou  didst  mete, 
It  measured  is  again  to  thee, 
Thou  may'st  believe  me  certainly." 

They  who  to  others  bring  distress 
Make  for  themselves  unhappiness, 
Remember  this,  sad  lioness  ! 


THK  LION  AND  THE  WOLF. 

The  lordly  lion  and  worshipful  bear 
Sat  once  on  the  judgment-seat ; 

And  every  beast,  from  largest  to  least, 
Stood  marshal' d  in  order  meet. 

Then  forth  came  sadly  a  good  old  cow, 
And  said  in  sorrowful  plight — 

"  Some  rascally  thief,  to  my  infinite  grief, 
Has  stolen  my  calf,  last  night/' 


King  lion  looked  round  the  circle  of  beasts, 
To  see  who  had  aught  to  say ; 

'59 


The   Lion  and  the   Wolf. 

Cried  the  wolf,  "  I  declare,  and  solemnly  swear, 
This  happen' d  when  I  was  away/' 

"  And  pray  who  accused  you  ?"  the  lion  said  ; 

"  Sir  king,  it's  out  of  the  question ; 
It  can't  have  been  I,  and  I'll  tell  you  why, — 

I  suffer  from  indigestion." 

"  Be  silent,  robber  !"  the  king  cried  out, 
"  Your  conscience  is  speaking  true  ; 

Your's  is  the  crime,  and  without  loss  of  time, 
The  bear  shall  do  justice  on  you." 

So  the  wolf  was  slain,  and  the  story  says 

He  spoke  his  own  condemnation  ; 
He's  a  guilty  elf,  who  defends  himself, 

Against  nobody's  accusation. 


DALZIEL   DKOTHEKS,  CAMDEN   PRESS,  LONDON. 


